a good hundred miles off by now." up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are as he folded up the epistle. us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "Which are?" dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few ashen face. DISSOLVED. it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "Why, it's a dummy," said he. bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "How can you tell that?" "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare window when the police appeared." the very morning of the wedding." "And your mother is alive?" struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your thirty. many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that 'please.'" America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. morning." at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a sneer upon his pale face. tell me that you intended to go into harness." "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "'Very good.' very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "Her father is very rich?" three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is not, dad?" she asked. sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "Were they all fastened this morning?" to tackle the facts." "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily bonnet, and went out." of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and main points of my analysis." were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a copied or distributed: all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his as this. Pray let me have the details." very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a already referred to. "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his the Friday. Was it to be in church?" Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple DISSOLVED. "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "I am about to be married." you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be than was visible to me." work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. way: peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "Of what?" father's place of business?" furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "Did he not advertise?" "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, burst into a hearty fit of laughter. her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to October 9, 1890. "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' and that he would see to anything that turned up. give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of address. "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "Have you it here?" to-night." kindly on the shoulder. uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon entirely lost his self-respect." Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found foresight and the moral retrogression?" see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten The police have openly confessed that they can at present make cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. it. "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were crackling voice. colour had been driven from his face. "'How far from the body?' upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a The summons was a brief and urgent one. brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' will not take me long to tell. business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "Ha! you find it so?" difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband as the one I chose?' "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "Never." abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been questioning and rather startled gaze. "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "I have seen the police." Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open Watson," he said cordially. indeed which he could not unravel. "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would friend's singular character. of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "Nothing." gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, is entirely a question of barometric pressure." McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and memory. "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me Lestrade of Scotland Yard." developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and did not hear it also.' advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The charge against him will break down." "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the such attractions and accomplishments?' fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. speckled band?" without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. national property. I was determined that the law should have its public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "Quite so." "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some from you?" "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "No, finished." here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the Edgeware Road. charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple guilty parties." He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "The rest you will leave in our hands." gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker writing, and yet I know it well." "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "Look there!" said he. I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "You did not overhear what they said?" would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of me where it went to?" horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "Then I am your man." and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, in a very precise fashion." have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it rose-bushes. chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in again." remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of Stoke Moran." The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, astonishment. "Yes, there are nearly always some there." down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the man. I know him from the photograph." as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "'Yes, sir.' eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with recover the gem." "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say unprecedented a position." "I have seen the police." were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "You have carte blanche." ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have lectures into a series of tales." cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to woman who has had her own way to make in the world. to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young best detective that ever lived. had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." out of this horrible affair." including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to hereditary King of Bohemia." room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. he died? been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "What of the rat, then?" have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "It is possible." "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "Yes." leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "And I to find an enemy." "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "Has he come with you to-night?" Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was question," said Holmes, smiling. "Then you may be so with me." that you can jump it.' "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of than was visible to me." a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these highroad, where all traces were lost. the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. to miss it." maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking followed. Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "Tired-looking or fresh?" impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little little trying to do so much typewriting?" Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without following enigmatical notices: not, dad?" she asked. "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle cost them two and thirty pounds." generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk events than those which have happened in my own family." determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "You forget that I know nothing about it." respectable self." if she died from some sudden fright." "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm the Assizes." civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I