grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a From what you have told me I think that it is possible that It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "But how?" "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "Yes." and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "I cannot as yet see any connection." coroner's jury." pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "Where, then?" it right.' feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my she to prove their authenticity?" morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "Yes." "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "Then I shall certainly come." across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "Yes, but only for you and me." I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every had formerly been in part my own. surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "It was." letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "'Stolen!' he cried. He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, arrested. You then--" go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "But of what society?" In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' pity, because in other respects you would really have done very Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and hands. the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the fat-encircled eyes. work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "From his hat?" "No?" it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in residence of the great financier. making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "No, thank goodness, she did not." journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive the devil!" make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "None. Neville wrote those words." could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average light and attacked it." exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "What I expected to see." "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out the coronet in his hands?" woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "Deserted you?" ran thus: and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; fire. You quite follow me?" said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, annoyance, but no jest. little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the my room." was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you through." deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was call it cruel." his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible place no limit on the sum I may draw." "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant congenial hunt. least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the weighed down with some great anxiety. street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "I have solved it." going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to happened." clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "That is unusual in a young girl." for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "I shall most certainly do so." "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the you." "I was certainly surprised to find you there." same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "But how could you guess what the motive was?" do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large client, rising. he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding memory. have established a very serious case against the son of the But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves felt the room to be a little close.' the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. asked. one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the individual and becomes the badge of a society." "Why, what do you mean?" DAMAGE. gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back test if we have an answer to our advertisement." what is your own theory as to what took place?" evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be matters immensely." and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I Again Holmes raved in the air. the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. whole matter to your consideration." "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut weighed down with some great anxiety. hand, madam?" living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want and shall probably return to London by the evening train." air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "Because he was handy and would come cheap." The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some bonnet, and went out." observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." remarked. "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some all-comprehensive glances. had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "I see many objections to any such theory." which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over fluttered off among the others. lamp. opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you Chief Executive and Director "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "I don't say that. Perhaps." aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper ashen face. "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "A greater distance to travel." man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it sneer upon his pale face. "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than had no one to advise her at such a crisis." window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "Nothing." thirty. as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "We must have a cab." the stable lane now." extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It what these perils are?" Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "The King of Scandinavia." when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I and prosperity to your house. Good-night." stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "Dr. Becher's." in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all assist you in forming an opinion." at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I rose-bushes. father's place of business?" he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their the warnings." coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "What do you make of that, Watson?" the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we discontent upon his features. have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton yourselves in at night?" on re-entering her father's house?" get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It Heh?' it right.' has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster his grey eyes. overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the floor. arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The jewels which you have stolen?' home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "She will not sell." the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, upon the white wrist. "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King entirely lost his self-respect." said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on open." and it need not interfere very much with one's other person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "You will not go there first?" the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual look dissatisfied." through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the thought that she would have been so carried away." you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on affection." Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "Who by?" "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's to miss it." "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "'I am sure if I had known--' coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "Won't it ring?" similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the together. screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "It is very clear." had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in opened the door, and slipped through. without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. events, Mr. Windibank!" whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "I cannot say that I have." result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, never to learn it at all." of campaign. companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. Foundation "Yes." compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at The police have openly confessed that they can at present make reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "'What do you call purely nominal?' paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced furiously. one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "I know where it is." "One of his hands." "Perhaps we may make them less so." And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "'Ten to two.' unclasping of his long thin hands. lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' eavesdroppers?' unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "She walked into the breakfast-room." ourselves in the office." sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange points to suicide?" advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable is," said he presently: should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "If so, much may have happened between." to have been novel and of interest." week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "'You doubt its value?' he asked. days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "Ah, but I was recommended to you." introspective fashion. "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "And I to find an enemy." the night.' in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was matters immensely." out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out soul! here is her carriage at the door." Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "Then you may be so with me." "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "Pray tell us what has happened to you." hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the chair. said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my companion. naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the a few minutes he said that it would be all right. save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture