will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you observed. "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven delirious. heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "Yes, all." think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "Here?" "One of the highest in England." from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. him, that man would not have given me such complete information confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church my former friend and companion. like that before?" patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been completely overtopped every other consideration that we both means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Yes?" "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "My Mary? Impossible!" pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was writer." "But his left-handedness." over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "Then I am your man." explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good characteristics, but those are the more obvious." cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been which it had come upon my father." Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge carried out of court." cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' chamber." authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "What will you say?" grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of his cane at the bell-pull. into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill noble correspondent could be. already been minutely examined." nonsense.' the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "Your sister is dead, then?" copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint to-morrow." of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "Then you may be so with me." noting anything else of interest. "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your been shamefully used." "But not more so than I to find you." "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her hereditary King of Bohemia." devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into bachelor.' soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ where we are going." "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I cigars in the box." that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "Look there!" said he. man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the shall not find me ungrateful." The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." to tell." long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "It is very clear." when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to developed." "Not in a good cause." points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "Your French gold?" events than those which have happened in my own family." another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" will he say when he returns?" is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to interested in these little problems, and since you are good then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, ill-usage at the hands of fortune. laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic noble correspondent could be. cup of tea. endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of vague figure huddled up in the darkness. who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "No." "That is unusual in a young girl." has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign what is your own theory as to what took place?" glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really them?" Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with gone. the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "You have the photograph?" sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of people don't know." seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "Deserted you?" used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly open." murdered man." "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "That sounds a little paradoxical." (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all help us in this matter." "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this strange features which were associated with the two crimes which resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "A client, then?" had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not shall not find me ungrateful." confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate what these perils are?" prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "But what will you do?" exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I more solid." father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a to go into your room and bar your shutters?" fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "Only as much as we can deduce." fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a you?' strong and stiff." that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "You are hungry," I remarked. in him." was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of suddenly upon us." "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "'I have already given you my word.' jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle instincts rose up against that laugh. part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just 11:15.' so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid of them has the shutters up.' the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was success. mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put instincts rose up against that laugh. dates and names. "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" front of me. or other trace. But how on earth--" "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "You were travelling in the States?" once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. his huge brown hands. "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing IS particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "You don't mind breaking the law?" papers." "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to touch that coronet?' Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that the dangers which encompass me." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a speckled band?" say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical details." could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," the coroner come to?" sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "Yes, there are nearly always some there." and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, your equipment. once more to my work. sound at heart." LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to used to be." "'Where could I find him?' "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, character. the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one which it had come upon my father." hand, madam?" reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "I was mad--insane." caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "I was certainly surprised to find you there." and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a memory. were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger The summons was a brief and urgent one. maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours the warnings." Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened he bowed and left the room without another word. We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "BALLARAT." the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still carpenter." "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "Yes." matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." not within a twentieth part of the market price." its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an ago." he bowed and left the room without another word. yet." course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. himself to tell his story. occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that chance." paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the amused." "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "At the wedding breakfast." preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his to talk it over. never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "No, thank goodness, she did not." conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here hopeless attempt at recovering them." "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "What can it mean?" I gasped. young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the lamp. man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in and looked back. away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock all that?" here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. had this final quarrel? "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "No bad?" better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would tear off another piece?' the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it hard-headed British jury." more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another in my life." feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman the address that was given us in the advertisement. to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting morning." and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." DAMAGE. for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It to a light-house. immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of point in the dark hollow of his hand. His name is Francis Prosper." suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms purpose equally well?" it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "I cannot think." to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up at home. than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "This photograph!" What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a