ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "I shall most certainly do so." "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "Yes." remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." young Openshaw's." the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that was it brought him the coronet? "How did that help you?" "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. Where does the thing come from?' process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an tear off another piece?' and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. made him keep the appointment." written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "None." "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the question you as to those details which seem to me to be most Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat point our research must commence, and we will begin it by paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir This is what he says: roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "Not in the least." "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "And what did you learn from him?" "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a persecution?" conclusions. of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "Upon what point?" evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "Come in!" said Holmes. which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord drawing your inferences." "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and away into the river." that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. interested in these little problems, and since you are good high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a your sleep?' "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove which it had come upon my father." way in." before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "No good news?" correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "And Irene Adler?" "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "It is very kind of you." in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "I don't say that. Perhaps." "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "What then?" in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that least a most suspicious remark." overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of and a shock of very red hair. "Witness: Nothing definite. attention." for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm felt the room to be a little close.' this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in know what is wrong with it.' Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove not, dad?" she asked. Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "Pray do so." as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." I have it here in my museum." from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain business." maid will bring up your coffee." Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "In heaven's name, what for?" "Your sister is dead, then?" been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. use an arc-and-compass breastpin." between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a morning." 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "Tired-looking or fresh?" the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "You will not go there first?" occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised British peeress.'" threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "I have hopes." It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." business in the City. She little knew what. memory. child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He when your master had gone out." the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything he bowed and left the room without another word. new acquaintance to Baker Street. bled considerably." threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." into the bag, and made for the door. "I see no marks." "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could again, where I was soon asleep. "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very States. "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "'Is purely nominal.' minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which to-night?' moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "Now, then, what's the last entry?" possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during discontent upon his features. is four-and-twenty." future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence me where it went to?" time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the despair." money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from as the one I chose?' Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off of them has the shutters up.' here." work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future seem to you to be relevant or not." feature." 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found south, for the country is more deserted there." at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "But it has twice been burgled." might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman intimate personal affairs in this public manner." prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a room had already been engaged for us. lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "'Yes, it was gone.' incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "It was an hour's good drive." Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think never to learn it at all." "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is outbreak?" "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to really the only notable feature about the thing." of the vacancies.' "I have my revolver," said I. that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek own family. withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "What steps will you take?" I asked. three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the like gravel from a pit.' "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek delirious. Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was of a light. investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "I came to find a friend." matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "What office?" a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on could go. In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "Yes." and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "The doctor?" and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated was used.' the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away there were one or two details which were new to me. But the come either from the window or the door. My attention was looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "Because he was handy and would come cheap." very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "Certainly." I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, were unconscious?" pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to good-night and bustled off upon her way. of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest cause to be." man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such and the church but not where the lady lived." must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "Breckinridge is his name." "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time go from here to the Strand." it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "'Yes, sir.' immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "'What would be the hours?' I asked. appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great you in your example." people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his kindly on the shoulder. I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. Arthur Conan Doyle "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. on re-entering her father's house?" chance at all." prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "And why?" and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "No good news?" unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." you in yours." events, Mr. Windibank!" cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "But you can know nothing of this?" I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in late." "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "'Tell me all about it,' said I. of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "Which are?" "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "To the police?" "And what did you learn from him?" have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared felt?" my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, father's young wife. "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "Yes, that is the Crown." the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of desk. attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but me. with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "What then?" face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "You forget that I know nothing about it." "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." III. way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms leaning back in his chair. clanging. as this. Pray let me have the details." were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." go--none." pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "Of Friday, June 19th." "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There obstinate." "'Yes, I promise.' man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." business." ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my Mrs. Toller serenely. brain must have something in it." "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce Arthur Conan Doyle as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an pound a week." a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "She told me to ask you."