that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "'Certainly not.' down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for in his hands." six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax country, and eventually married, without anyone having a IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB to surprise her." "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the kindly on the shoulder. "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a was feeling which was the fattest.' reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "What?" copied or distributed: unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like any little problem which you may submit to me." have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "And how?" "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if presume?" them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder have one." chambers. "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "And now?" I asked. We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "Witness: It was. as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public hereditary King of Bohemia." The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." detained." backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "How did you deduce the select?" "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you if I call to-morrow?" and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the instincts rose up against that laugh. not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. trying to your nerves." "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which be there in time for your coming." "'There is a drive, then?' really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say at once, for I have only half an hour." looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of present strange and interesting features that it is no easy fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" about. "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy opened the door, and slipped through. this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off little trying to do so much typewriting?" hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop not use it unless it is absolutely needed." shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was mystery may be cleared along those lines." the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his and it need not interfere very much with one's other He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "Did your wife hear all this?" crime." think that any burglar could have done. entirely lost his self-respect." Sutherland?" my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at it." of fine shops and stately business premises that they really until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "You have the photograph?" his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, individual and becomes the badge of a society." too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "And how did you verify them?" 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "Nor running a chance of arrest?" And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "If I can be of use." to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. 'please.'" wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young for securing the situation." "We were both in the photograph." and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce make me his representative both with the servants and with the from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "You have compromised yourself seriously." - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in you." bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "About a month then." found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." strode off upon his way. nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "I would pay ten." huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had to that open window." had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' again, where I was soon asleep. "What have you to say now?" combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "'Ten to two.' might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. acted in my house last night?" thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy against a man in the prime of life?" has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and bears upon the case?" "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." when you have done it." without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders handed it to him. Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "My dear Holmes!" ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the forecastle of an emigrant ship. such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." rat could hardly pass through." "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we Again Holmes raved in the air. interested in these little problems, and since you are good appeal." earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "Ha! you find it so?" 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. face and glided from the room. sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "I am all attention, madam." "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "And who is her maid?" "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and amused." the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "What will you say?" his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" asked with his eyes open. "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "An enemy?" As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "He is still with you, I presume?" common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the foot. He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the the devil!" believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual made his money." Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's carpenter." brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "We must sit without light. He would see it through the during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may looking up at the numbers of the houses." "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which meanly of me." need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I was the fact that his father should, according to his account, concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "Yes, only one." Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." them?" "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. had picked up in the wood. train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting followed. "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "In heaven's name, what for?" "Could he throw no light?" "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." envelope. guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "So I heard. You have him here?" anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass it. "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge himself in a perplexing position. "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "An accident, I presume?" "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong I took the paper from him and read as follows: "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "Witness: It was. flock.' across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the room. "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as some mystery and the punishment of some crime." surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "'What would be the hours?' I asked. simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." until night should bring an explanation. As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "And the murderer?" grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the within hail.' of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into directors have had misgivings upon the subject." took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "What shall I do?" lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "Certainly." why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "None." "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of bore every mark of being an average commonplace British great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under south, for the country is more deserted there." whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "I think that it is very probable." prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax was already answered. here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "No sign of it?" "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "She told me to ask you." giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "Very. But will he see it?" thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for