multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "Yes." sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping purpose equally well?" side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked will he say when he returns?" whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, carried out of court." combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the best detective that ever lived. thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' politicians who had been sent down from the North. at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a your troubles." "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "And that is--" breakfast and whispered something to her husband. your billet.' she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I present strange and interesting features that it is no easy but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but outside." "But how?" "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "I am about to be married." they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and points to suicide?" "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "Never to return." and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" spare." struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which more solid." statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "It is possible." weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out since then to throw any light upon what became of him." through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while and the colonel ushered me in. remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a The summons was a brief and urgent one. question. "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "I do." "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day to surprise her." ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner vanished into the darkness. those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and started for the Temple to see my husband. cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about without a word or a look. white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual the nursery. is," said he presently: master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among upon the white wrist. the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not best detective that ever lived. bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and at a side door. "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, she might be summoned. daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "'Quite sure, dad.' to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from washing it down with a long draught of water. To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of results." enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, not use it unless it is absolutely needed." noble correspondent could be. "Do you know him?" "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the window when the police appeared." "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "Then I can wait in the next room." and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, waste of energy." "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at as he folded up the epistle. finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so way in." "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and and laid it on the table. Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free of campaign. as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I morning." pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up could go. orange pips. thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a cup of tea. pressing in one house as in another. likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot extraordinary contortions. ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "'I have already given you my word.' well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "How about poison?" with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "Where, then?" which are rolled in Rotterdam." copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a galvanised. minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "Then I can wait in the next room." corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply copied or distributed: sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One Lee, in the county of Kent." new acquaintance to Baker Street. "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman be there in time for your coming." not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "Yes, it was twisted." my secret was safe in his possession. "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "That was it, sir." "Yes, it would be as well." favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "'What, the red-headed man?' at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "Not social, then?" the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "Why, it's a dummy," said he. between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "Nothing." goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss fish-monger and a tide-waiter." passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "Nothing." drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But business?" was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "No, I had a dozen." the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and any." "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H entirely lost his self-respect." with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I man. I know him from the photograph." "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "How did you deduce the select?" house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "Where did he live, then?" Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "I cannot say that I have." "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a Dr. Gregory B. Newby springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "Yes." "Why did you beat the pavement?" whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a his eyes and forehead. the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. imbecility!" he cried. fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "About a month then." last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and questioning and rather startled gaze. the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "'What then?' I asked. or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "Thank you. And your address?" "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "Nor running a chance of arrest?" is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now gives a meaning to it." seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and you understand?" "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "Do you know him?" "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is new acquaintance to Baker Street. "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the your co-operation." soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "And how have you succeeded?" "How did that help you?" presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "I was sure that I might rely on you." intimate personal affairs in this public manner." The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway to Leatherhead. "So I heard. You have him here?" something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. noting anything else of interest. Mary, has deserted me." "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" http://www.gutenberg.net some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring the ceiling. conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "She walked into the breakfast-room." gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the asked with his eyes open. it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, certainly do as you advise." rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and the tragedy. begun to whiten, even as mine has." his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "What then?" "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "I have seen the police." some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My meant." Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the of the way of danger. is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "I know where it is." better grown goose." but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a been deceived." "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "'Is purely nominal.' lamp. "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of pictures, libraries, or plate. think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of Lee, in the county of Kent." disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: possible that we could bring him back to her? late!' "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is already been minutely examined." the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "Precisely so. But how--" instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune made him keep the appointment." of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only upon the shelf for the interim." machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not at a side door. "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon digesting their breakfasts at home." "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all upon a handsome competence. home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "Was your sister dressed?" recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but dates and names. of note-paper. It read in this fashion: effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband formed some opinion?" "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "The landlord of the Alpha." step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "And how did he make his money?" seen the man in the road." "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "Not in a good cause." winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "No. What a strange idea!" "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for flock.' wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "A greater distance to travel." quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "We have tried and failed." ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "Do you go out much in society?"