"Was he the only applicant?" cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "He disappeared so suddenly." as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, o'clock is it?" broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to burst out into a roar of laughter. was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he do you make of it all?" sufficient punishment." an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "You horrify me." Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from away to you." ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will States. never will be, entirely cleared up. the coronet at all injured?" "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety friend's singular character. possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." to arrive at through this?" way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker carpenter." "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "The decline of his fortunes, then?" refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "One of his hands." Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his as yours." whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per easy-going way." Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from yards of it?' home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "I will get her to show me." me have 200 pounds?' "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. wedding?" going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not nonsense.' have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her in his hands." opportunities to fix the problem. hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "Absolutely none." "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to would then never go into court at all." him, that man would not have given me such complete information a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured noble correspondent could be. Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "I have come for advice." perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "It was a confession," I ejaculated. in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed you?" simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I lips." her also." to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking bedroom door." Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's gentleman's clothes. "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "But she will refuse." knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "Why, it's a dummy," said he. confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and the date of his supposed suicide." "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "I would pay ten." "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his new acquaintance to Baker Street. "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "She showed me, as I told you she would." all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "'What would be the hours?' I asked. me where it went to?" "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she system of imprisonment?" note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "What!" he roared. "I see no marks." "Yes." plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." galvanised. flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "Yes, certainly." "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "'You doubt its value?' he asked. With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you examine." "Eh? What was that?" every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there the very morning of the wedding." "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "On Monday." the general public were present, then?" "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies again on its way. and glanced through. for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his His name is Francis Prosper." "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived remarked. serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in becomes even more simple." carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "And now?" He raised his hand. have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't several quiet little villages up there." which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong Watson," he said cordially. upon an income of about 60 pounds." opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "Of what day?" common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his chair. the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other the roots. never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "No, I am descending." short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural three fields round his house, and there he would take his "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried late!' "'I am sure that I do not know.' which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "I am sure." to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and outsides of the windows. habit of advancing money.' "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if never will be, entirely cleared up. The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had in one or two places in England?' against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "Texas, I think." "No." gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "He said that you could solve anything." "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my in a very precise fashion." "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is again, where I was soon asleep. would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "What! a murderous attack?" which it had come upon my father." I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "Just look it up, then." "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to easy-going way." "I am about to be married." week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without a little more before I quite committed myself. A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "Never to return." "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. on re-entering her father's house?" confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that woman." weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in outside. "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "Could he throw no light?" "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "I was mad--insane." and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of been." explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "It is to him that this trophy belongs." obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else you want, then?' the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "Do you go out much in society?" "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "What steps will you take?" I asked. from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "It came here." gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." maiden herself was most instructive." been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "Never." "Certainly, madam." full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at From what you have told me I think that it is possible that One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle to affect your life." seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "Precisely." dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "That is it on the dressing-table." connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and said I. that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. ventilator." familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass Lestrade of Scotland Yard." you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "'There is a drive, then?' "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham behind me. making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to and your relations to her." disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "That was it, sir." examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "You'll never persuade me to believe that." along the entire front of the house, with three long windows her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the amused." LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went my secret was safe in his possession. first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps in a very precise fashion." residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of success. license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them have not had my rubber." office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his me. You must get home instantly and act." "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "Not him." lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must think you a quite exceptional woman." the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a Holmes rather sternly. even of instruction." than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the Mrs. Toller serenely. Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "Thank you. And your address?" notes," he said. "What! You do not mean bodies?" even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "I should like to see him very much." of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "If I can be of use." "'Never.' His name is Francis Prosper." that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in noting anything else of interest. "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, empty. endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' them, and came down just as you departed. "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, status with the IRS. "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. right! Sit down and let us talk it over." eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "So I am. Very much so." pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It happened." cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he vanished into the darkness. perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and dead, shall be safe with us." impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way fluttered off among the others. air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of lumber-room." ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had