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all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." disappearance of these gems?" Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than other, as fresh and trim as possible. wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "I am sure." At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "And you can do nothing until then?" determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., had no one to advise her at such a crisis." standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. highly," said Holmes. bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some families. Now for the facts. sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One if I call to-morrow?" "'Never.' interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as your billet.' fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "I know where it is." "Yes, it was twisted." product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons served to weaken the effect. my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At village inn over there?" he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, not come at once?" sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "I cannot imagine." "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that opened the door, and slipped through. It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "Come in!" said he. "If I can be of use." "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction is," said he presently: putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in upon the white wrist. reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "'How far from the body?' Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled Count Von Kramm." not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "Precisely so. But how--" look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "Could he throw no light?" "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. indeed happy." standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our which should have the effect of calling the attention of the He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' Clair, of Lee." together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same leaning back in his chair. "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband she slowly sank and died without having recovered her wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not me have 200 pounds?' the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "But what will you do?" remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your I think that I could be of assistance to you." Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water was keenly on my guard against him. "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "I am to be neutral?" was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "Whose house is it?" as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "Who was the criminal, then?" from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or question you as to those details which seem to me to be most savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his fattened it expressly for you.' large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and down in his armchair and closing his eyes. town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "My Mary? Impossible!" "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this laugh and put his lips to my ear. For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "Yes." some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. do.' smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "Your French gold?" "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who row." "I never have." would apply.' "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "I have hopes." with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat to-night?' Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, the devil!" "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is matter." elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "Here?" "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "'Where to?' "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing http://www.gutenberg.net "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless fait accompli?" matter." piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly overpowering excitement and concern. cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has within hail.' few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" was lame." morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with bore every mark of being an average commonplace British thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our fat-encircled eyes. charge against him will break down." felt the room to be a little close.' "No, distinctly professional." and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "Could he throw no light?" 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon shall use the carriage to-night." of your young ladies.' "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite on re-entering her father's house?" a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "Yes." know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the I shall continue with my miserable story. he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we man. I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner most important business. It is probable that he will be away all squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon to-morrow." beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. me where it went to?" thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "Where, then?" The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in The King stared at him in amazement. by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "What shall I do?" middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the your only hope of safety." It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united said I. hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "Do you go out much in society?" leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "What can you not understand?" American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "'Certainly not.' or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the question," said Holmes, smiling. would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the his face. with you?" the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty the roots. "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it touch that coronet?' "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "I assure you that I am in your hands." either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" developed." Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. girl said." arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the and effective." month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous been anything against him. He had for years been known as a with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear opportunities to fix the problem. spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by introspective fashion. if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "Very well, sir. And this stone?" test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in me." "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" his forehead." "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 himself to tell his story. have accepted such a situation. Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "You are certainly joking, Holmes." stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope despair." "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in chair. bonnet, and went out." Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have used to be." "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that was feeling which was the fattest.' know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "Seven!" I answered. sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert already referred to. gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the that?' This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "'Most admirably.' he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since redistribution. "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "No bad?" half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular woman." took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "You are all wrong." very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you prove to be little relation between the different incidents of 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this bears upon the case?" the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner residence of the great financier. robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "Have you it here?" to tackle the facts." he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "What I expected to see." explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler face and glided from the room. "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a arms and began to sob in a high treble key. adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all be.' telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "No." on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I Pope's Court, Fleet Street." case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a reach." circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "It is true that I have been generally successful." troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my morning." Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination of it with the greatest attention. we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key hopeless attempt at recovering them." him to be an active member of the medical profession." that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of dear old homesteads?" of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most any more." keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love arrangements." but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that and that he would see to anything that turned up. "But who is he?" "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR already referred to. from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late trying to your nerves." Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It fled together." "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, question," said Holmes, smiling. Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds