"I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with bled considerably." indeed happy." frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your strode off upon his way. the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "The decline of his fortunes, then?" overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "And why?" you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the was lame." "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, long narrative. took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her following enigmatical notices: there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from sufficient punishment." set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event shag which I had seen upon the previous night. without a word or a look. some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good papers diligently of late, have you not?" were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "'Stolen!' he cried. her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until awaited us upon the table. "And Miss Sutherland?" it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling vanished into the darkness. dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** answered with a sidelong glance. in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always Street. "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. your Highness to the police-station?" "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project views." is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "'Quite sure, dad.' value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and in darkness. to where he stood hid behind the curtain. here." teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. hand, madam?" may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his writing, and yet I know it well." from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. I am not easy in my mind about them." a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on the inner apartment." "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "Have you her photograph?" he. running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King yards of it?' request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and McCarthy's innocence. charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." I think that I could be of assistance to you." absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "How about poison?" gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "What have you done?" asked Holmes. squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "Then you may entirely rely on me." Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "My dear Holmes!" "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for Chief Executive and Director him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point about. "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which cheerful." of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "Never." has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "On the contrary, this is the right side." the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "Your sister is dead, then?" 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "What then?" and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "And now?" He raised his hand. "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "Was she in good spirits?" "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. Again Holmes raved in the air. him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "I saw her in conversation with her maid." my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in Street. "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." union?" possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with could go. very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I use an arc-and-compass breastpin." and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question absolutely follow my advice in every respect." he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly there in twenty minutes." during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, other lovers by making love himself." as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. strength in the others." beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much enter Dr. Roylott's room." your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest of his shoulders. "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" suggested at once that there must be a communication between the cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it families. Now for the facts. THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "I cannot tell." "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and important." tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon thirty. unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "How can you tell that?" trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are once more on the important position which you have been fortunate the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might should be taken.' Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last through." glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "And from a noble client?" but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. be. can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "Perhaps I have." presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "Proceed, then." "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. window when the police appeared." beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to which was all perfectly true. We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the silent! Oh, he will be silent!' over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The are, and they are waiting for us." "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of to arrive at through this?" fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. lumber-room." admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "What!" he roared. hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, looking up at the numbers of the houses." For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which pierced for earrings?" His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I that I am arrested." have had none more fantastic than this." brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the the stones. noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what approach us with offers to donate. Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "What then?" "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "And you thought he was pulled back?" "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" that, and I came down." client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the gives a meaning to it." lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms fishes. "Thank you. And your address?" I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully seen the man in the road." crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "Pray be precise as to details," said he. we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys himself to hunt down. Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all was the fact that his father should, according to his account, pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is and that he would see to anything that turned up. animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "I will, Miss Turner." 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a events than those which have happened in my own family." 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. present." left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "It was." the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a think that any burglar could have done. The note was undated, and without either signature or address. Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "Ah, but I was recommended to you." The events in question occurred in the early days of my The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his me where it went to?" 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "Entirely." "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the it." down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "What, then?" mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the did not hear it also.' Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake look upon these things in a different way." than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace writers could invent nothing more crude." delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "Witness: It was. "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. his face. Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "'Ten to two.' - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by relief. approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "But she will refuse." "Yes, from Horsham." "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and begun to whiten, even as mine has." the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "But I am all in the dark." "Which surely he restored to their owner?" play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a neither fascinating nor artistic." which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her you?' come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring."