and I shall be with you presently." last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced breakfast?" with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to status with the IRS. or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from public press." suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to companion imperturbably. very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a dear old homesteads?" tell them apart.' upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "At what time?" "To ruin me." "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "'Yes, I promise.' simple cases which are so extremely difficult." A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "What is it, then--a fire?" whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look Pope's Court, Fleet Street." homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "What do you make of that, Watson?" "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." is four-and-twenty." one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "My dear Holmes!" as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "A confidential servant?" when your master had gone out." read it out to me." Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his What do you deduce from it?" Foundation "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a whereabouts. "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "I came to find a friend." from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an horse could go." urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to and have this put in the evening papers." It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a ashen face. the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. chamber." troubles have been weighing upon his mind. vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "Always." and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most ago." My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for to talk it over. I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, sofa. This way, please!" the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "You will not go there first?" "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "I would pay ten." corner of the building. is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the question you as to those details which seem to me to be most had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to man. more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. strode off upon his way. red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young opportunities to fix the problem. "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home charged with?" centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "And now?" I asked. never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "And from a noble client?" has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to success. seven miles from Eyford Station.' "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "The King of Scandinavia." and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "'I am sure that I do not know.' over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried are, and they are waiting for us." "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "What is it, then--a fire?" the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "I will try. What is it?" something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "There are none." "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "Well, but China?" friend's singular character. house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun "I am all attention, madam." you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too as he folded up the epistle. the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I beg that you will break it off." "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can despair." other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did and wait." object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had upon a handsome competence. Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." His name is Francis Prosper." ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "'Where to?' searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the your sleep?' which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 page at http://pglaf.org blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets been shamefully used." "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and emerged. strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since electronic works The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of was shining brightly. they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw client, rising. could go. of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in was once confined in the cab my mission was practically squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "Now, then, what's the last entry?" everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a ran thus: with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to strong and stiff." say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as so.' foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads But Holmes shook his head gravely. I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court was used.' her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me might help us?" can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." with her." this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "I see many objections to any such theory." corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece question," said Holmes, smiling. we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to and have this put in the evening papers." before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in spare." "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "None." what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he front of the hall door has given its name to the place. Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "Where, indeed?" hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have the matter." wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I get the tickets." you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, meant it for the best. "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "But he might be a bachelor." active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond what I may call a really hard day's work." her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be problems help me to do so." "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "It must be recovered." That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a in a very precise fashion." answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "Holmes, the busybody!" examination of the premises, but without finding anything which bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "'Ample.' young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly woman." stepfather?" "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "Entirely." "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle presented more singular features than that which was associated skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "But the mystery?" others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been husband's writing, madam." Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and Sutherland?" "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "I was afraid that you were engaged." take the flies, but not before." deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left Watson," he said cordially. "Quite so. She has her freedom." Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "I was afraid that you were engaged." closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold past. "Just look it up, then." saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all back alive. corner of the building. Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" do.' tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "Yes, from Horsham." eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his Holmes' room. logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make Heh?' "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time manager. kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "And the cigar-holder?" would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to guilty parties." weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the a good hundred miles off by now." possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and murdered man." smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "Will you go?" the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "Oh, the cause is excellent!" supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "Of what day?" "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon and no precautions can guard against." a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's are windows in it, of course?" "Game for a morning drive?" the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this had died away into the silence from which it rose. answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "You saw the ventilator, too?" and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my highly," said Holmes. Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad enough to aid us in our search." the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "I am following you closely," I answered. "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "Your sister is dead, then?" could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "What do you make of that, Watson?" not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "I am about to be married." possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in me. You must get home instantly and act." "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "Quite so. She has her freedom." diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do would then never go into court at all." that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want you." a little more before I quite committed myself. there in twenty minutes." "Yes." the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see Surrey." The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not light and attacked it." "No." with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "The knees of his trousers." "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "It is to him that this trophy belongs." Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when The police have openly confessed that they can at present make if I call to-morrow?" a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is records." brandy and water within his reach. little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard together. considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "Is he quiet?" for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for