"4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "Yes, only one." first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were corner of the building. behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "'I am sure that I do not know.' "And when will you call?" the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly the warnings." wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "But it has twice been burgled." offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to garden below. there!' "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses article?" cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to vanished into the darkness. an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door your equipment. problems help me to do so." having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. and that he would see to anything that turned up. for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until in. correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to cup of tea. official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family and capable of preserving a secret.' glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered whether it answered to the description of any of their "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "Awake, Watson?" he asked. back into the street. there is a decided draught." of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with envelope. more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them problems help me to do so." "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "He might." repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and your most interesting statement." of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a tapping his fingers upon the table. Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "Come in!" said Holmes. you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. it means?" him, that man would not have given me such complete information mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent considering the formidable letters which were received by himself stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a cause to be." absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon the very morning of the wedding." "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a a suggestive one." "Then you may be so with me." pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' be best to do. ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "Have you it here?" conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." instincts rose up against that laugh. hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" clanging. "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "What, then, did Peterson do?" quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "How often?" silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "It surprised me." Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the purpose of examination. "His face fell immediately. than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more becomes even more simple." upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to outside. "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "'Entirely.' handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even me, and I could not think that his explanation of the month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "In the cells." "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "And that is--" stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each likely to be some crony of the landlady's." whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "'Yes, sir.' breakfast?" "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important should be taken.' about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was this truth that in these little records of our cases which you his face which made him a very different person to the round, thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." of the way of danger. police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a lost his Christmas dinner." forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in the date of his supposed suicide." coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his face and glided from the room. Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "So I am. Very much so." running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy house for five minutes.' thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had papers on the sundial.'" to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other never will be, entirely cleared up. could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. national property. I was determined that the law should have its do you make of it all?" not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "None." fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on more solid." "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "My photograph." A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged impression behind it as though a window had gently closed habit of advancing money.' though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "I shall be delighted." "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a read it out to me." Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these singular points about the case. What did the police think of the in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "Stoke Moran?" said he. be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, them present such singular features as the strange train of "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert said Mr. Holder. results." nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "Yes." "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "And for present expenses?" "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, highroad, where all traces were lost. summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "I would give my fortune to have them back." how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "By no means." research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion results." If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "What of the rat, then?" "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church you in yours." "He is dead," cried several voices. "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and not personally threatened." My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "But it has twice been burgled." 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean tapping his fingers upon the table. distance from the station, and there we found the young lady upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his kindly on the shoulder. in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. becomes even more simple." "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, obstinate." when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. learned something! Where are the gems?" "But you were on a friendly footing?" the warnings." responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my seem to you to be relevant or not." tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of ways of our fellow-men." copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but where we are going." stammered. "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "Yes, it would be as well." "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast it with his own hands." people don't know." "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "We have tried and failed." the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "Upon what point?" volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the meant." matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came obstinate." "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the of this gang." simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each away into the river." before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed who was a member of your goose club." tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "The King of Scandinavia." "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see to change my dress. as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed figure." "It is a murder, then?" Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of it were putty." kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want his huge brown hands. wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it them?" morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly in. have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the a few minutes he said that it would be all right. lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the see a sister of mine apply for." second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't entirely devoid of interest." suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the fled together." Sutherland?" "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at hereditary King of Bohemia." the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and look dissatisfied." corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other signal between you and your father? "Pray continue your narrative." him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly the Assizes." "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have again, where I was soon asleep. stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on occupations.' "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "So I heard. You have him here?" "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was to-night?" I asked. shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few