"Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily and all of them with the keenest interest. engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers been anything against him. He had for years been known as a skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "And it is--" again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "And why?" nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, direction." "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking the matter?" to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a to affect your life." and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with the warnings." room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right wanted for ourselves." so.' George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "And how in the world did you find them?" presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "I beg pardon." locked." had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" again before evening." kind enough to tell me what I should do." "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "I have solved it." rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, wedding?" when you have done it." him." with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "I cannot think." observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "Your presence might be invaluable." "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at correct than the official force." American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "She told me to ask you." "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest at home. me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "I have a cab outside." "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all forehead. passage and a tap at the door. ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to away into the river." "'Certainly not.' prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "How on earth--" down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "And you thought he was pulled back?" her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "Not particularly." widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. was a loud and authoritative tap. outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of brought there to personate someone, and the real person is little adventures." "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "I was mad--insane." was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "May I see it?" out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "She showed me, as I told you she would." without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with strength of mind to control. expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "Yes." great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a sentimental considerations in the background which would induce knowledge of the world." corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in lids now and glanced across at his visitor. of the vacancies.' "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "No good news?" "How are you getting on?" hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I least a most suspicious remark." twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he congratulate you again." he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" way in everything. and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, companion imperturbably. "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite forbidden door. "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "And is that all?" owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the closing the door. trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "Two days later this same performance was gone through under while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet good for you to do.' into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the strength." Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this questionable one." 11:15.' Sutherland?" life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' man. I know him from the photograph." this man was intellectual?" day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "'What would be the hours?' I asked. tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled ordinary clothes on?" success. Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "And is that all?" "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "And why?" my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "About a month then." you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a seem to you to be relevant or not." pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful eat it." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "And I say east," said my patient. "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up fish-monger and a tide-waiter." shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a to that open window." to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, existence." few hundred pounds.' A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the look dissatisfied." France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very night.' said he. widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad you for a few hours?" License. You must require such a user to return or gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply handed it to him. hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "And why?" "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "Murdered?" even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, The events in question occurred in the early days of my same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "Who was the criminal, then?" "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of front of me. the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event http://www.gutenberg.net "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." the coronet in his hands?" moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "I was sure that I might rely on you." the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, closely." in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers the King without delay." conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "'Yes.' what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our mysterious business." were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." them?" he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "Which are?" "You horrify me." "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my swore that no one else had been in the front room during the the south-west, I see." can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that was shining brightly. memory. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE the night.' about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "But how?" into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. in. the nursery. hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and way: this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "It came here." to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in one or two very singular points about this room. For example, receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy roused himself from his reverie. "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "It's nothing of the kind." said Mr. Holder. engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "Was your sister dressed?" goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "And you don't know his address?" stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" now. It seems that there had been some informality about their up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to "I am sure." Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a retorted upon me, and I on you." you." "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes said Mr. Holder. which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "'Tell me all about it,' said I. face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the then?" his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." lamp. there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "On your arm?" the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "So I am. Very much so." conduct the inquiry." "On Monday." Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily detective. where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was upon the shelf for the interim." first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that there were one or two details which were new to me. But the following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "And when will you call?" Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With relief. "No, but the enclosure is." a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he evidence," I remarked. "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" way in everything. lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice a monotonous occupation." cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study Holmes. official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon Surrey." gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "An accident, I presume?" Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe becomes even more simple." be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "'Entirely.' disturbance in my wife." set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I my room." upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's not interfere, come what may. You understand?" she used." sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "And how in the world did you find them?" buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian married her." provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "Yes." "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people there were one or two details which were new to me. But the were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "Yes." eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, hereditary King of Bohemia." Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the is acting for the best. ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "How do you know, then?" "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "But she could not love him." The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in once more for Briony Lodge. "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I indeed which he could not unravel. is entirely a question of barometric pressure." in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project and the whole place is in a blaze." His name is Francis Prosper." Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained his forehead." immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my infinite languor in his face. should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The the child." confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you