is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too I shall communicate with you." "Nothing." said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by green of the new foliage. chair. "I beg pardon." "An accident, I presume?" Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, tightly behind him. perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "This concluded the examination of the witness." stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived despaired of." "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" other means.' "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "You think that he is dead?" Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "Yes, it was twisted." he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that some place of shelter and let the county police know what has was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "How did he come?" "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner villagers almost as much as their master. sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, photograph?" 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little just called myself is not exactly my own." down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "Witness: It was. "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his the address that was given us in the advertisement. my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from definite end. the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "This concluded the examination of the witness." leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, existence." "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the Lestrade of Scotland Yard." been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to will be renamed. "I know where it is." sofa. This way, please!" useful material for showing traces. The double line a little our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. ready to-morrow?' my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "A client, then?" A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; posted to-day." light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "My dear Holmes!" "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' children over to America with him, so that I found myself without Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of gone. "And help." a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "Her father is very rich?" have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with in my life." road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a plantation.' "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "I have my revolver," said I. to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream where she found matters as described by the last witness. could not have written that. It is the German who is so face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I than to us. Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "It looks newer than the other things?" this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "'You cannot say what it was?' "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, present." photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open http://gutenberg.net/license). been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "So I have heard." "'Why that?' I asks. some terrible trap for her." All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the several quiet little villages up there." "Was she in good spirits?" newspaper selections." "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a help us in this matter." "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "Then how many are there?" "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." woman." "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "But I have heard all that you have heard." coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching in his power. rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "Not social, then?" "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "It surprised me." brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "'Most admirably.' dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "Yes, he did." "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. the armchair which I pushed forward for him. child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "But to whom?" completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" bachelor.' fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" him to go away.' of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a fat-encircled eyes. Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. the Red-headed League." did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "What shall I do?" staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." strong reason behind." made his money." of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached The events in question occurred in the early days of my while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for if I call to-morrow?" distinguish the words: "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. me. You must get home instantly and act." said he. too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "I am in hopes that she does." that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "By no means." Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "Married! When?" Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "And the cigar-holder?" "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your straightened it out again. "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in it." solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "It was a confession," I ejaculated. conversation I have gathered that they have been married about male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, shall not find me ungrateful." stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "In answer to an advertisement." deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." excitement. "How often?" attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more it. "Where to?" wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private becomes even more simple." front of me. hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "'You doubt its value?' he asked. there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for tell me that you intended to go into harness." a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and during which he might have communicated with his friend the them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. was lame." "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed unprecedented a position." Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency Heh?' course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "Holmes, the busybody!" may have an influence upon European history." that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." Gutenberg-tm License. horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I one or two very singular points about this room. For example, Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no yourselves in at night?" "I see no marks." a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed suggested at once that there must be a communication between the months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "And who is her maid?" exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough Henry Baker is a member." I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard some place of shelter and let the county police know what has digesting their breakfasts at home." 1.E.9. into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "Your presence might be invaluable." the little opening for the ventilator is." It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and on in his house." thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been on in his house." people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "What I expected to see." residence of the great financier. "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" the one as in the other." "He is dead," cried several voices. of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer wedding?" young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police fluttered off among the others. I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still conceal it?" son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "Perfectly so." cause to be." matter." "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not way in everything. cup of tea. little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "It is to him that this trophy belongs." the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all he. "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his mystery!" as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "No. What a strange idea!" "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the results." has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that the inner apartment." good for you to do.' Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and a monotonous occupation." destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in and files of the old papers, following the future career of every stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "Then he might have called to you?" and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, key of the affair now." pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security went to the Alpha were town bred." vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the you found me to-night--and running through the front room she Pool. sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? danger is over." smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange looking up at the numbers of the houses." inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable companion. "None." had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" few hundred pounds.' "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other