"Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow stood on the top of it. "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated were unconscious?" had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of It may be so in this case, also." Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always the coronet in his hands?" supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been get her out of the way." engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "Precisely." brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his himself. "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." Munro.' Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "We were both in the photograph." have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some morning." Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of to a more successful conclusion." making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man purpose of examination. frequently gained my first real insight into the character of already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of will take you up to see the machine.' waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather relief. manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: very morning of my second wedding." King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' best detective that ever lived. collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There highly," said Holmes. them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that tell him that I know him to be innocent." sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and call for protection in the marriage market, for the present where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "Pray do so." which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a stepfather?" houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "I beg pardon." discontent upon his features. "At what time?" "Yes, at the mines." "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "Ha! you find it so?" chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "It is no ordinary one." the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and yards of it?' official police." did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. fattened it expressly for you.' crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." outside. three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "Yes, sir." were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building shall use the carriage to-night." a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the papers." iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "The gentleman I describe." actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the fattened it expressly for you.' shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "She walked into the breakfast-room." There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "This photograph!" "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "It is to him that this trophy belongs." I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain away in different directions, and I went off to make my own the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "If I can be of use." gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "It was." 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness you in yours." his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "None." having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off less than 26s. 4d. gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "None." it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search where we are going." narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might You want to know what became of those geese?" the warnings." "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical returning from some small jollification and was making his way son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you bill, which interests me deeply." aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "What!" he roared. neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "How are you getting on?" been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "I know where it is." "And what did you see?" my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "If I can be of use." "How did that help you?" staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less constraint." and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing letters?" "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall unprofitable." with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "I have hopes." notes," he said. fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said before the coroner and the police-court." nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "'Never,' said I. face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very congratulate you again." "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "I am all attention, madam." she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she colour had been driven from his face. all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "How did you trace it, then?" I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "And it is--" deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "Imitated." "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" cup of tea. theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "In San Francisco, a year ago." "Dr. Becher's." "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public chance." '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "I am all attention, madam." "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' there when the Rucastles went away." been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who had this final quarrel? "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and character. world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "In which, sir?" "Yes, certainly." "Not I." "Where, then?" providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with intimate personal affairs in this public manner." eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the Have you good authority for what you say?" terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his wedding?" "And is that all?" office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE noble correspondent could be. him, that man would not have given me such complete information "'There is a drive, then?' "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "No. His orders were to stay in the house." were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "It was." The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the I nodded again. be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried seen the man in the road." I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "It must be recovered." skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he means taking possession of that which another person has a prior given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in points to suicide?" extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "Not in a good cause." neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I will not take me long to tell. hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. there was no need for father to know." even so self-evident a thing as that." studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by several quiet little villages up there." There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin article?" Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new man. utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and McCarthy." "Where is it, then?" "I cannot think." half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs for its centre. "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know The police have openly confessed that they can at present make that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "Yes, at the mines." his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "Very truly yours, then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "What shall I do?" whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, are windows in it, of course?" "And I to find an enemy." treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." morning." of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "It is no ordinary one." "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, started for the Temple to see my husband. shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit residence of the great financier. question. "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark congratulate you again." "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which his grey eyes. "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "Did you observe the colour?" and shall probably return to London by the evening train." as this. Pray let me have the details." great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in said he, "my real name is James Ryder." life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "Never." seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique whole matter to your consideration." there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote once more. passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at lamp in his hand. dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a likely to be some crony of the landlady's." absolutely follow my advice in every respect." the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, already been minutely examined." mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "Yes, only one." could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "I will do it." warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. not use it unless it is absolutely needed." tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "Yes, but only for you and me." done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them