"And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt families. Now for the facts. adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to companion quietly. His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a room had already been engaged for us. "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "By train from Waterloo." up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing followed. himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I copied or distributed: sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is together. "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. could go. unprecedented a position." "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "Yes, only one." some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, long narrative. should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "Nothing?" above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so the stones. the matter." greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the the iron safe, which he closed upon it. garden below. Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him pity, because in other respects you would really have done very smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything hurried by. days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "That is unusual in a young girl." the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in main points of my analysis." really the only notable feature about the thing." bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand stood on the top of it. writing, and yet I know it well." was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "Because he was handy and would come cheap." anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "Yes." must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of said I. solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "And how in the world did you find them?" to where he stood hid behind the curtain. Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "Have you it here?" the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident presume?" permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning possible that we could bring him back to her? you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY had picked up in the wood. narrative." "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to his face which made him a very different person to the round, and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. hurried away. one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was and effective." to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "ARAT," I read. "But how?" advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it introspective fashion. in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: morning." "Do you go out much in society?" that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "My stepfather's business papers." bed dies. Does not that strike you?" of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "One?" "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "Precisely." "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the sake, don't!" "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "By no means." a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, had died away into the silence from which it rose. the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make that you wished to speak to me?' hereditary King of Bohemia." Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously in. quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "I saw her in conversation with her maid." estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell ago." anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "It looks newer than the other things?" "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was I nodded again. he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what weapon." Surrey." "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must never came back." Pool. the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "An accident, I presume?" expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' a monotonous occupation." "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I quite distinctive." soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. to a light-house. opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "Won't it ring?" "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the gentleman's clothes. her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "Yes." before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too the nursery. was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "Not particularly." one's self under obligations.' the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you mystery may be cleared along those lines." "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "Then what has happened to him?" blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have o'clock is it?" "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, and that he would see to anything that turned up. treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go woman." I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. But Holmes shook his head gravely. rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "At what time?" look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat said he. any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he and glanced through. table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle heavy and sharp instrument." weighed down with some great anxiety. "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "An accident, I presume?" top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from speckled band?" daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "And how did you find out?" dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box forebodings. The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "No?" you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears secret." of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning room. upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "That was it, sir." carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You gone. through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "Why serious?" every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "Precisely so. But how--" therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business the house with me." him." freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "You have the photograph?" but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to along the entire front of the house, with three long windows the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more recover the gem." thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the anything to do with the matter?" Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black the running down." aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "To an end?" Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and in my life." Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a use an arc-and-compass breastpin." Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "But your client--" thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "Always." of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "Not in a good cause." records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "The Coroner: What do you mean? but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "Pray do so." "He said too much." in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "'Yes, I promise.' "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "And did you observe any change in her then?" life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his and the whole place is in a blaze." Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen bird of prey. lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked been shamefully used." increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience wife's character?" "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "The murder was done with it." "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "He slept on the premises." nothing with him." "That sounds a little paradoxical." better grown goose." weary and pale-looking. though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "What! a murderous attack?" to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "I am to be neutral?" expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon Pool. abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "VIOLET HUNTER." towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." crime. it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then nice household for a young lady." "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of instituted." be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "Murdered?" and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, to his chemical studies. "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and the running down." breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with you." "A call for help, you thought?" prison!" cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be once more to my work. upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "Nothing." mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "I cannot tell." but preventing her from injuring another. "Did you become engaged then?" recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "No, my brougham is waiting." How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter respectable self." finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" would then never go into court at all." pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "And I to find an enemy." Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is Pool. "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "But you would not advise me to refuse?" between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "Yes, from Horsham." you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the at once, for I have only half an hour." which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE murdered man." half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor