away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have she used." "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his hopeless attempt at recovering them." dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps back to my heart. "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for again before evening." a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the away to you." "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your forecastle of an emigrant ship. Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists that you saw all that I did." the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "And that is--" street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over visitors." station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "I should be immensely obliged to you." "Well, some hundreds of times." the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "Stolen, then." so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "But he might be a bachelor." Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to deduce something from that?" dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. little adventures." brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each will he say when he returns?" I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the be best to do. For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "I would give my fortune to have them back." had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "You have it, sir, just as it happened." noting anything else of interest. 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who crackling voice. "The Cedars?" into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "'Ten to two.' I leave." "Nothing." solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "Was there a secret marriage?" suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" extraordinary contortions. "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR remarked. square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "You heard nothing yourself last night?" know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with grasp, he hurried from the room. three of the beryls in it, was missing. have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "Well, some hundreds of times." fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "But how?" have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter made him keep the appointment." "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its call it cruel." "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in would then never go into court at all." me where it went to?" actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "Yes, the wine-cellar." which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "You have but to name it." as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. so.' "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" orange pips. copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative orange pips. very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your of fine shops and stately business premises that they really have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "In what way?" asked Holmes. I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour Pool. "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, a room. one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through seem to you to be relevant or not." and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had then?" kindly on the shoulder. afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' gigantic client. making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us not personally threatened." The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater cigar and let me expound." his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "My photograph." things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of there in twenty minutes." just called myself is not exactly my own." ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "Witness: It was. so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have green of the new foliage. "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my God! What an exposure! What can I do?" persecution?" squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat indiscretion." "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of written. the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get call it cruel." there when the Rucastles went away." Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing man. he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "And who is her maid?" that he has suffered." rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we done what I asked you, Jones?" lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, not, dad?" she asked. address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "Ample." ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite singular points about the case. What did the police think of the lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of child?' eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in before, for it was considerably after midnight. Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than sufficient punishment." promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "Then he might have called to you?" there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "I have my revolver," said I. open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for the matter." I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "What! Had he lost his wife?" Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his made his money." delirious. nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "It may not come to that," said Holmes. life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than the very letters. But what is this written above them?' low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "How did you trace it, then?" a monotonous occupation." fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To down from London to inquire more deeply into it." very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe hand, madam?" clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." and the church but not where the lady lived." appointment with me for six o'clock?" "'Tell me all about it,' said I. as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "No." a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "My last client of the sort was a king." window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular whole matter to your consideration." aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "Yes, he did." little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, Miss Holder?" along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour direction." for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "But it has twice been burgled." Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot very morning of my second wedding." He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "Nor running a chance of arrest?" together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "If so, much may have happened between." "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that business." rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is during that time.' his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't seven miles from Eyford Station.' "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. and capable of preserving a secret.' have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "But what harm can there be in that?" undoubtedly my uncle's." shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "What do you make of that, Watson?" two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a the devil!" that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "'Quite sure, dad.' "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still your most interesting statement." "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of with the outside air!" "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the be best to do. which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from out of this horrible affair." thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "I was certainly surprised to find you there." Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will the salesman. struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. for and were ordered to this address. closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "Will you go?" question you as to those details which seem to me to be most there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two fatally injured? many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had yet." "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he your own bird, so if you wish--" He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. been able to understand it, in a very few words. red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's papers diligently of late, have you not?" "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to quick march!" sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is that threaten you." of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they suggested at once that there must be a communication between the of them has the shutters up.' to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "Oh, the cause is excellent!" which was all perfectly true. "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "I shall be delighted." de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "I say it is." "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "He is dead," cried several voices. clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a to-morrow." bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." tell him that I know him to be innocent." the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible him to go away.' shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past business?" without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It learned something! Where are the gems?" who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." is acting for the best. quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was was shining brightly. was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and success. threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. just ask you whether you had heard it.' strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers hereditary King of Bohemia." rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. shall not find me ungrateful." give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped for and were ordered to this address. pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he