paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's despair." have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all himself to hunt down. details." appeal." "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason will find little credit to be gained out of this case." manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in absorbing." towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his License. You must require such a user to return or for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. his fortune, and I went back to pa. habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some your Highness to the police-station?" That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we the nursery. "And you don't know his address?" during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a Sholtos." "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was prepare for the new role I have to play." first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm during the last few years, and there are many noble families to really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull photograph?" Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." My friend smiled. remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "Not him." her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step said I. I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any existence." me have 200 pounds?' particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "No." stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. the coroner come to?" "But I am all in the dark." this unhappy family?" infinite languor in his face. "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you matter." do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. interests were the same as his." all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind when you have done it." face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old I think that I could be of assistance to you." that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been way in." arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your one's self under obligations.' "I am all attention, madam." America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "And you can do nothing until then?" "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "And why?" promised to bring home. "Then how many are there?" his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my Henry Baker is a member." "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "It is very clear." through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the what do you think they found in the pockets?" quickly through a disagreeable task. "Then I shall certainly come." Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat my former friend and companion. "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As to tackle the facts." he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "Certainly, madam." outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "Where, then?" living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house investigation." peculiar to him. skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. paper in the air. very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "I think it very unlikely." "I say that I have solved it." data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the himself to tell his story. "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with memory. of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened where she found matters as described by the last witness. and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled new duties?' therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to all that?" "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "'Not at all. I only doubt--' save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "How about poison?" drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said my secret was safe in his possession. Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "Thank you. And your address?" not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "That is unusual in a young girl." "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the But Holmes shook his head gravely. nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "'Yes, it was gone.' to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "Eh? What was that?" had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly photograph?" of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a opened a pocket-book and took out a note. am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed Mary, has deserted me." it with his own hands." at once, for I have only half an hour." clanging. Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "The rest you will leave in our hands." small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ of the one which your family is now devouring." "None." newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "I am armed." the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six matter." happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard of Fenchurch Street." have not had my rubber." "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. cigars in their mouths. "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "So it appears." One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "He is dead," cried several voices. who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." three fields round his house, and there he would take his Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "You have the photograph?" Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because despair." "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that help us in this matter." wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "How often?" home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no simple cases which are so extremely difficult." very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a is worth.' "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "It certainly sounds feasible." "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home go from here to the Strand." piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband whether it answered to the description of any of their offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," Pope's Court. living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "You know me, then?" danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in there when the Rucastles went away." more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your later, upon the night of May 2nd." of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an fuss that is made over them." most important business. It is probable that he will be away all she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "One of his hands." into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. not, dad?" she asked. breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "It looks newer than the other things?" and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united into the room. crowd. delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "What then?" broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "You'll never persuade me to believe that." I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and already referred to. was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "They are typewritten," I remarked. "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel stood on the top of it. fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "He is still with you, I presume?" prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and Munro.' "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't any." many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by taking in every detail of the apartment. "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the and looked back. to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, seven miles from Eyford Station.' While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "What office?" that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "And did you observe any change in her then?" "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable there was no need for father to know." observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "Do you go out much in society?" as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "I have solved it." States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of have accepted such a situation. sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, recover the gem." suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind national property. I was determined that the law should have its Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought photograph?" he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: brain must have something in it." the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her humiliation." paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "Stolen, then." bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I disappearance of the bride.'" leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. remarked. it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "And for present expenses?" "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" even so self-evident a thing as that." Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, I was concerned in it." disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "This concluded the examination of the witness." in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to God! What an exposure! What can I do?" yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. hard-headed British jury." the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and them?" "That sounds a little paradoxical." "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more as noiselessly as she had come. "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little in a friendly supper." "Of what day?" however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, done what I asked you, Jones?" across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" been able to understand it, in a very few words. as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause drawing your inferences." with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "Yes, that is the Crown." "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "At what time?" been." to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, taking in every detail of the apartment. run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would 'I should be able to look after that for you.' believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I his huge brown hands. her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was to tackle the facts." one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a memory. he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry *** START: FULL LICENSE *** was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day lamp. were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. do." "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a to his chemical studies. is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people might have a private word with us. American. Then who could this American be, and why should he pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification fattened it expressly for you.' greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to