by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "'Never.' Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." place no limit on the sum I may draw." surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "You don't mind breaking the law?" right! Sit down and let us talk it over." man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been him, that man would not have given me such complete information the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "And how did he make his money?" astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "'Yes, I promise.' neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "But what is it you wish?" waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "Married! When?" he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had gives a meaning to it." reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "What steps will you take?" I asked. grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "What! Had he lost his wife?" mysterious end." "Can I be of assistance?" friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not are, and they are waiting for us." "And your mother is alive?" feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of annoyance, but no jest. a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "I was afraid that you were engaged." and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "'Ten to two.' Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before I shall communicate with you." The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, envelope. "No, I think that I'll take it." Street. His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "It is half-past ten now." been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "The King of Scandinavia." came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so again." ways of our fellow-men." "No more words. Get out!" like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "An enemy?" see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who ceremony." bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you IS twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come horse could go." his eyes and forehead. "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "Come in!" said he. trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after do.' isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed have got?" "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "I have solved it." possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell happened." pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "Were they all fastened this morning?" key of the affair now." "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and one which it was hard to resist. "And how?" the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the breakfast?" And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "And you can do nothing until then?" sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "How are you getting on?" "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "Because he was handy and would come cheap." awaited us upon the table. which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "At what time?" finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, strength in the others." uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover was used.' upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "Your sister is dead, then?" himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. rat could hardly pass through." have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day him. teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to the devil!" friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention the King without delay." your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away was a loud and authoritative tap. "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other jewels which you have stolen?' when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their to-night." upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "How do you know, then?" "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, clanging. she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg means taking possession of that which another person has a prior a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "I see no marks." allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her and laid it on the table. "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "Never to return." Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "None." January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I criminal. We have already had experience of such." "Where, indeed?" qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." copied or distributed: cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, very peculiar words of the dying woman?" suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at train.' All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of entirely devoid of interest." the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "But you were on a friendly footing?" we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, annoyance, but no jest. "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an wife's character?" "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest and laid it on the table. followed. "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots Gutenberg-tm License. presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "By no means." and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for were unconscious?" hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." have got?" purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "I don't believe it." between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "But I have heard all that you have heard." "What! Had he lost his wife?" though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be any." case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be not, dad?" she asked. were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down this unhappy family?" "Who by?" matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her problems help me to do so." you." all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one head. So long, then!" A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our client, rising. corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better get the tickets." see a sister of mine apply for." Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "Texas, I think." a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, recover the gem." as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "Not in the least." looking up at the numbers of the houses." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "I say it is." "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." said he at last. "Pray do so." through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. whatever might befall. characteristics, but those are the more obvious." of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." some city in a dream. claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. papers on the sundial.'" been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," into the bag, and made for the door. he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few girl said." and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "On your arm?" 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon lectures into a series of tales." left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and lost his Christmas dinner." down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and away to you." "And how did he make his money?" that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "'Yes, it was gone.' papers on the sundial.'" hour?' half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't is a common subject for conversation. not fit the lock." "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "You are all wrong." ways of our fellow-men." "Here?" takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making sit on the left-hand side of the driver." question. absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall redistribution. from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk works. See paragraph 1.E below. "Murdered?" the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk more terrible than the truth. considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "Thank you. Pray proceed." where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love six. Come in!" whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. nice household for a young lady." smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "I don't believe it." the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel security.' of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I it." All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us to tackle the facts." "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of crowd. for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission