Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at man. "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on records." "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "You will not go there first?" Cross for the Continent." occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my him to be an active member of the medical profession." is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "On the contrary, this is the right side." "When did it break out?" stepfather?" said he. "The King of Scandinavia." sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and papers must be those that are destroyed.' lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "Do you receive much company?" he asked. notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but quite distinctive." brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with because she had spent so short a time in this country that she insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point present." the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no good for you to do.' correct than the official force." tear off another piece?' "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, Cross for the Continent." against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally fuss that is made over them." concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "No, thank goodness, she did not." "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "Then he might have called to you?" crackling voice. strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building once more to my work. XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had bell. Holmes whistled. means taking possession of that which another person has a prior have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. I leave." have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" case before our client came into the room." "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which bell. Holmes whistled. (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would light and attacked it." here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "Absolutely none." Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "'What do you call purely nominal?' whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "'I have heard so.' Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "But what will you do?" "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "We were both in the photograph." Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "What are they?" of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in least a fellow-countryman. "A greater distance to travel." sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. pound a week." chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." overpowering excitement and concern. empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true what is your own theory as to what took place?" even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See right! Sit down and let us talk it over." ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "But we can't all be." pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no and no precautions can guard against." agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at that all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "Because he was handy and would come cheap." garden below. "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "Yes, they were peculiar boots." Miss Holder?" taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my Leave Paddington by the 11:15." my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. are windows in it, of course?" business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector tell them apart.' "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" key turn in the lock." not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him again on its way. action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when speckled band?" "Yes." "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you ceremony." breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. This is what he says: outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded to some other building. twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some that I am arrested." "Was he the only applicant?" prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. appointment with me for six o'clock?" which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland made him keep the appointment." XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "I am sure." I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman during that time.' "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" will he say when he returns?" "I have solved it." it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my think, you have already met." B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are other lovers by making love himself." "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "Her father is very rich?" interests were the same as his." unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was jewels which you have stolen?' his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds redistribution. "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. used to be." Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would appointment with me for six o'clock?" grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we charge against him will break down." trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "It missed him, then?" "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "What have you to say now?" "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about think that he is innocent?" returning from some small jollification and was making his way which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "Yes." however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he vanished into the darkness. distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "I have a cab outside." thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." looking up at the numbers of the houses." simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique garden below. "By no means." really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. his face. "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. public press." I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I in darkness. "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate thin legs towards the fire. Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "Where, indeed?" knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you the iron safe, which he closed upon it. strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" that he will be back before evening." "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical grasp, he hurried from the room. mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "But how?" slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which rat could hardly pass through." go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "If I can be of use." villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to populous neighbourhood." that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "Yes." "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or husband's writing, madam." "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped with frightened eyes at his accuser. came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "But not more so than I to find you." narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "Quite so." 'please.'" "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "The doctor?" of your young ladies.' so far?" over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were not fit the lock." dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his even so self-evident a thing as that." "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man chambers. "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham noble correspondent could be. His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come fled together." gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to the matter." "My stepfather's business papers." brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "Did your wife hear all this?" cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with soul! here is her carriage at the door." at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "I never have." "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "ARAT," I read. train from Paddington which would bring you there at about receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, just called myself is not exactly my own." passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned gentleman's clothes. Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes the warnings." "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "'Yes, sir.' ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss I think that I could be of assistance to you." "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "It came here." "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "Nor running a chance of arrest?" This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged the tragedy. occurred." once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "You don't mind breaking the law?" your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, children over to America with him, so that I found myself without too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous your room." the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, before, for it was considerably after midnight. "And I to find an enemy." grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, must be when I saw the door open.' that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "It surprised me." "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only hurried by. delirious. "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been people don't know." very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet invisible to me," I remarked. the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he