"Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No again." "Nothing." zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "Pray do so." "Not yet." "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. II. saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "It looks newer than the other things?" "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "I cannot tell." grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like God! What an exposure! What can I do?" used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "What!" he roared. swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "None." Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be him and tried to hold him back. his grey eyes. "Then I shall certainly come." face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "Oh, the cause is excellent!" shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from chemical work which was so dear to him. reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the when your master had gone out." am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I in his power. photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "'Which dealer's?' of the efforts of the United States government and of the better public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "Come in!" said Holmes. o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, have established a very serious case against the son of the pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which child?' "What! a murderous attack?" The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have would apply.' idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few been anything against him. He had for years been known as a whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "But we can't all be." it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses in one or two places in England?' "'Which dealer's?' "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic note?" THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "If so, much may have happened between." time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle strode off upon his way. the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "No legal papers or certificates?" watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, quickly through a disagreeable task. woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we on re-entering her father's house?" and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself information in his hands the value of which he did not himself slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "Deserted you?" He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur crowd. bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "Which are?" printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "A greater distance to travel." One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his compunction about shooting them down." status with the IRS. The events in question occurred in the early days of my said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" towards the blaze. and a shock of very red hair. time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that distance from the station, and there we found the young lady and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "Yes, sir." Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your business at Coburg Square is serious." "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "My opinion is in no way altered." his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the followed. "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me least a most suspicious remark." doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is your Highness to the police-station?" Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away formed some opinion?" "But how will you look?" heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the Eyford." building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some hands. down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary see a sister of mine apply for." few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several Sholtos." As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom do.' I shall continue with my miserable story. However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "I assure you that I am in your hands." been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "But how?" Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." approach us with offers to donate. Holmes." The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & attention." "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "'What do you call purely nominal?' you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "What can it mean?" I gasped. indeed happy." his forehead." of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "Well." answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," Arthur Conan Doyle companion. us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "I cannot as yet see any connection." houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "On your arm?" "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "I beg pardon." Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "And sit in the dark?" his huge brown hands. chamber." his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left disturbance in my wife." were unconscious?" initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "It is half-past ten now." "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "You have carte blanche." of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything them?" "Witness: It was. "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of me have 200 pounds?' to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "Now, then, what's the last entry?" imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this to where he stood hid behind the curtain. not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "Seven!" I answered. Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang flock.' correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "Pray continue your narrative." where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by pity, because in other respects you would really have done very of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known the ceiling. bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "That is unusual in a young girl." a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the what these perils are?" gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "It came here." were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "I answered that I had not. someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "Just look it up, then." crime. a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of and that he would see to anything that turned up. brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "So I have heard." they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have face and glided from the room. and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was became a certainty. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project and put his glass in his pocket. he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is spare." "But how did you gain them?" greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do feature." back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. in my life." dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do woman." "Perhaps I have." "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the nonsense.' reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face had this final quarrel? Holmes' room. all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. too. father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "You have the photograph?" delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed me." "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes will take you up to see the machine.' "I shall most certainly do so." "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I them?" cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "Seven!" I answered. was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So crowd. "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked coat-tails." strength of mind to control. Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some the dangers which encompass me." particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, morning." as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "My dear Holmes!" "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. here and I will read it to you: "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass three of the beryls in it, was missing. "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "That's no good." been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous any more." of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a fuss that is made over them." I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to not as remarkable as your advertisement." even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "Entirely." "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, hard-headed British jury." It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my Holmes. judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. lost nothing by them." strength in the others." along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. been anything against him. He had for years been known as a Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "How about poison?" "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless said he. swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our man. destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "I assure you that I am in your hands." We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. electronic works "Frequently." long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some think, you have already met." and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building woven round him. "May I see it?" "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "Do you know him?" "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "That is easily got." you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which papers must be those that are destroyed.' the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of right! Sit down and let us talk it over." a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "'And what salary do you ask?' manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "Is he quiet?" very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter,