out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "No, I am descending." The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the which should have the effect of calling the attention of the our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter horse could go." posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), if she died from some sudden fright." occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one forebodings. just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down once more on the important position which you have been fortunate owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "Precisely so. But how--" a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have detective. would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian Clair, of Lee." garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "Oh, the cause is excellent!" for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your at once, for I have only half an hour." said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like Watson," he said cordially. him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "What will you say?" she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should strength of mind to control. St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them is four-and-twenty." while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend other means.' for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "Nothing?" "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "In heaven's name, what for?" "And I to find an enemy." abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "'Yes, sir.' what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, and looked back. set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at entirely devoid of interest." "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I your room." preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, astonishment. leave you to your papers for a little." in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "'Ten to two.' "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face of Mr. Rucastle's." "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with rooms." mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' even of instruction." already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "What will you say?" I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I up this clue while it is still hot." "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have served to weaken the effect. the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see a very grave face. "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I the best of training." little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking in this note: he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a and put his glass in his pocket. my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, acquaintance?" "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." sneer upon his pale face. and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, it with his own hands." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to before the coroner and the police-court." be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. morning." "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City weary and pale-looking. Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must is a common subject for conversation. 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her cheerful." let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I advice." ran thus: than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "An enemy?" "By no means." "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "I have solved it." disappearance of the bride.'" the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." hereditary King of Bohemia." little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough with the outside air!" "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "Ah!" believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the me. Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no new acquaintance to Baker Street. on re-entering her father's house?" eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously one else, I think." was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "'What do you call purely nominal?' "A call for help, you thought?" solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "No, but the enclosure is." opened the door, and slipped through. upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "I have my revolver," said I. great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "And the cigar-holder?" form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the at my own good fortune. some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in new duties?' belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "What, then?" he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "Imitated." sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I searched, without anything being found which could incriminate glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture without a word or a look. "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, chair. "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. Holmes' face clouded over. of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently empty. why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to a little more before I quite committed myself. Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the the south-west, I see." used to be." until night should bring an explanation. In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have Serpentine Avenue. so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' said he at last. again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any with the outside air!" "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far maid will bring up your coffee." as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "It is very kind of you." "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in there were one or two details which were new to me. But the of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One he bowed and left the room without another word. poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake held up the lantern and gazed about him. means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the as noiselessly as she had come. immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she man. any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "But how will you look?" with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." in him." "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make heavily into it. if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible the tragedy. some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many Eyford at 11:15.' "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my bell. Holmes whistled. "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which has little to do with my story." moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his in his hands." subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had could not have written that. It is the German who is so beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "And the cigar-holder?" above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, know what is wrong with it.' for the market.' simple cases which are so extremely difficult." whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. things are very often connected not with the larger but with the I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us is," said he presently: leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the your own bird, so if you wish--" sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "Have you it here?" Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" During two years I have had three consultations and one small weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming legal crime." may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "It is very kind of you." have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "On Monday." met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now arrangements." great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than Farm upon the left." "And you thought he was pulled back?" he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for upon an income of about 60 pounds." "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On your equipment. Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "'What, the red-headed man?' showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every attention." are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I front of the hall door has given its name to the place. tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "He slept on the premises." "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, good-night and bustled off upon her way. strength of mind to control. "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" him nearly every evening." the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal should be taken.' successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "'How far from the body?' however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "It is half-past ten now." band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "My photograph." over his head with a sweet womanly caress. Surrey." will be renamed. 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet pierced for earrings?" but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they I nodded again. road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your of." either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "From his hat?" Holmes' face clouded over. "It may not come to that," said Holmes. Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for and the church but not where the lady lived." "'Never,' said I. face and glided from the room. to a light-house. then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "Ample." eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, handed it to him. "On your arm?" from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my know all about it," he snarled.