A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "Witness: I must still refuse. "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary during that time.' rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very foot. some water from a caraffe. "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, train.' and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "To ruin me." appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining whatever might befall. serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, telegram would bring me down to your help." "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, McCarthy." settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "None. Neville wrote those words." might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled together. society." "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came possible that we could bring him back to her? income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his your only hope of safety." "Dr. Becher's." thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say golden eyeglasses. bell. Holmes whistled. "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House your billet.' "ARAT," I read. black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. over with notes and figures. "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution and a shock of very red hair. Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the and shall probably return to London by the evening train." disappearance of these gems?" window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "Look there!" said he. salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "You did not overhear what they said?" so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "How did you deduce the select?" Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "Breckinridge is his name." sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "I am still in the dark." for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the been able to understand it, in a very few words. he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "Where did you address your letters, then?" girl said." little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which ourselves in the office." "'About the same.' yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and The King stared at him in amazement. "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "Where did you address your letters, then?" Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "'What would be the hours?' I asked. set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in several quiet little villages up there." had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "One?" with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "Breckinridge is his name." as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I then?" we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "I would give my fortune to have them back." crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been chemical work which was so dear to him. crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows new acquaintance to Baker Street. reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "I will try. What is it?" colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "Which surely he restored to their owner?" doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon not within a twentieth part of the market price." Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "Has he come with you to-night?" know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of Sutherland. through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." through." "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. highly," said Holmes. was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose night.' said he. it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I with her." the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "I should like to see him very much." "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "'You doubt its value?' he asked. long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his chamber." "I will, Miss Turner." depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such Edgeware Road. "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if throat." one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "I think that it is very probable." take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "Nothing?" the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who the room while you explain this matter?" for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "10th. John Swain cleared. with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "But she will refuse." - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. thought that she would have been so carried away." anything to a woman, for she would have her way." 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was gone. dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if obstinate." "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense colour had been driven from his face. mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists client, rising. "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "What then?" hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "Pray let us have it, for all that." Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the wedding?" of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are for the market.' feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel works. indiscretion." so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "I was afraid that you were engaged." utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He over part of the map. "What do you read?" means taking possession of that which another person has a prior frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, are, I think, all that we need." All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "Upon what point?" very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the too. she to prove their authenticity?" cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "Yes." eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "And did you observe any change in her then?" Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had again before evening." Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "Deserted you?" Heh?' "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a to change my dress. should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At that I am arrested." other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "I think it very unlikely." "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered when you have done it." "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such fish-monger and a tide-waiter." what these perils are?" have not had my rubber." have got?" exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have other, as fresh and trim as possible. Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's into the room. see me here to avoid scandal." doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was hour?' "Were they all fastened this morning?" have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "You think that he is dead?" postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not from you?" struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "But she will refuse." St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have little trying to do so much typewriting?" satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "It's nothing of the kind." delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "The rest you will leave in our hands." house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. secret." "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to followed. this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my me what he had done with the three missing stones. "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a was shining brightly. gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" business at Coburg Square is serious." ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of on re-entering her father's house?" where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" you, my dear young lady?' inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "No more words. Get out!" Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency that you can jump it.' as noiselessly as she had come. Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of power." to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. man. had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer noting anything else of interest. his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "Why serious?" quite distinctive." conduct the inquiry." dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events overpowering excitement and concern. "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." other, as fresh and trim as possible. of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "And sit in the dark?" "What have you to say now?" wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and certainly not very gracious." know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John outsides of the windows. Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "I should like to see him very much." "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already before, for it was considerably after midnight. that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he burst into a hearty fit of laughter. which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "My own seal." at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a the matter." the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "Frequently." present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us acted in my house last night?" his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress started for the Temple to see my husband. help us in this matter." "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "He is dead," cried several voices. and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I business." see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be meant." against a man in the prime of life?" such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of in his hands." brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow to miss it." little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the feature." fatally injured? mystery." pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us