endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "How did he come?" what is your own theory as to what took place?" "That is also quite modern," said the lady. connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "And sit in the dark?" home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "Why did you pick him?" invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or signal between you and your father? which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." highroad, where all traces were lost. "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "Tired-looking or fresh?" each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then Where does the thing come from?' the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet I nodded to show that I had heard. unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to details." favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "Dr. Becher's." pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to you in your example." mysterious business." "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, gbnewby@pglaf.org We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "No." "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I business in the City. She little knew what. observed. coroner's jury." fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked felt the room to be a little close.' you." could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "You'll never persuade me to believe that." himself. "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "Well." (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without to some other building. of it with the greatest attention. my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the strange features which were associated with the two crimes which Pope's Court. felt the room to be a little close.' you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "It is very kind of you." to some other building. wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our never will be, entirely cleared up. I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock affection." if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. Count Von Kramm." "But we can't all be." "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. secret." ashen face. and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, you do it in twenty minutes!' upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, said he. willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, License. You must require such a user to return or much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his someone who had been in Australia." public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "Could he throw no light?" Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "Yes, they were peculiar boots." lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem third from London." branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I chamber." came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some place no limit on the sum I may draw." smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation business at Coburg Square is serious." believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my was feeling which was the fattest.' "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he interest. They are important, you understand, without being the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion are, I think, all that we need." their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over orange pips. it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you the date of his supposed suicide." "And the cigar-holder?" the south-west, I see." have accepted such a situation. again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet way in everything. remarked. written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." into her hand at the door and which lured her within their electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their me what he had done with the three missing stones. well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that conclusions. clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "My photograph." been lifted and conveyed somewhere." stalked out of the room. "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very head. So long, then!" America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "None." when your master had gone out." "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "Nothing?" feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his you found me to-night--and running through the front room she shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "Won't it ring?" Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "Then he might have called to you?" 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me States. is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three prisoner's face. work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I little adventures." "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "'Where to?' of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "'Very good.' "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began highly," said Holmes. feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "Because he was handy and would come cheap." calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "No legal papers or certificates?" he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "I assure you that I am in your hands." conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "Why, what do you mean?" responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "The landlord of the Alpha." through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. appeal." "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who entirely devoid of interest." "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said hard-headed British jury." It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, horse could go." cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I helping a boy to put up the shutters. round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't morning." that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from fatally injured? "Certainly, madam." "Nothing?" of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "He might." Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project several quiet little villages up there." unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I papers diligently of late, have you not?" "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism into the bag, and made for the door. furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "I am about to be married." with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their quite distinctive." he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "Stoke Moran?" said he. them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "What shall I do?" weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to and looked back. where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "Ah, but I was recommended to you." enter into my head. in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "And the murderer?" were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with leaning back in his chair. "She will not sell." present." floor. "On Monday." house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "I promise," said Holmes. THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond husband's writing, madam." Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the weighed down with some great anxiety. "I would give my fortune to have them back." is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would upon a handsome competence. stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "Murdered?" minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "The best possible." I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was dates and names. transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "At half-wages, in fact." the dangers which encompass me." which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to upon the white wrist. searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "So I heard. You have him here?" drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was Dr. Gregory B. Newby villagers almost as much as their master. grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from enter Dr. Roylott's room." the Red-headed League." states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the fishes. "Oh, yes, easily." him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "It is a murder, then?" "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who London for the present?" "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their during the last few years, and there are many noble families to our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, the so-precious time, but come!' the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly and have this put in the evening papers." "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to before the coroner and the police-court." performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, train.' do.' house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and undoubtedly my uncle's." the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer Holmes. "Pray continue your narrative." Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are bachelor.' Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a and have this put in the evening papers." of the efforts of the United States government and of the better should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the something of him before." union?" Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "Who was the criminal, then?" it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who indeed which he could not unravel. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "But how did you gain them?" however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its II. in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, advice." yet." seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, had a long day." eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" you found me to-night--and running through the front room she hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my you." day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "You are certainly joking, Holmes." how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "Very truly yours, without a word or a look. across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "And the murderer?" himself in a perplexing position. rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "No legal papers or certificates?" objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical the south-west, I see." "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any