permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. carriage. It was a chestnut." "The King of Scandinavia." "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "No. His orders were to stay in the house." handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be Arthur Conan Doyle Serpentine Avenue. "'A dozen yards or so.' Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable constraint." "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see fat-encircled eyes. there has been an enclosure here!" clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "Perhaps I have." correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." quickly through a disagreeable task. say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "Did you observe the colour?" promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "It was an hour's good drive." can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." even of instruction." feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door laugh and put his lips to my ear. Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the IS shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by together. was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "I never have." "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope have I gained?" and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my the stones. dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" the devil!" room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for might have a private word with us. "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "Well?" were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project The telegram which we eventually received came late one night business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an could not have written that. It is the German who is so It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "Well, it is a possible supposition." said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "You know me, then?" How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have photograph?" that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his read over the extraordinary announcement. past. several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with closing the door. your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. and your relations to her." Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "Nearly eleven." there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "Who was the criminal, then?" Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being characteristics, but those are the more obvious." freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "I think that it is very probable." "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of upon an income of about 60 pounds." prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very your sleep?' "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "This photograph!" excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "My Mary? Impossible!" There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "And what did you learn from him?" is so. I know all about McCarthy." "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a Watson," he said cordially. deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." power." me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster the very morning of the wedding." garden below. the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it round and wave him away like that.' of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should of receipt of the work. "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating a suggestive one." "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "What, then?" "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he interest. They are important, you understand, without being "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one purpose equally well?" which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my in darkness. say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our copied or distributed: Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. directors, with the result that you have seen." body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "Nothing." his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said he bowed and left the room without another word. "I think that I had better go, Holmes." them, and came down just as you departed. "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at sooner or later she must fall a victim. stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled information in his hands the value of which he did not himself halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "Very truly yours, will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler may have an influence upon European history." life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure less than 26s. 4d. with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the along the entire front of the house, with three long windows occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, Edgeware Road. The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "Certainly, madam." takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds as he folded up the epistle. "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for himself in a perplexing position. and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." or other trace. But how on earth--" look dissatisfied." rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." keep the flames under. "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which entirely devoid of interest." "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "But how?" "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and unkempt, staring out at me. undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "Precisely so. But how--" half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "Perhaps I have." came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited This is what he says: "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "Won't it ring?" away in different directions, and I went off to make my own Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such locked. customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "He said that you could solve anything." Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended matters immensely." surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "Pray be precise as to details," said he. housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must as he remarks, very much against the son." surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. you want, then?' there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may peculiar to him. states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I comes from the middle window." his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "Then I do not see the point." agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "So I am. Very much so." fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it excitement. from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew of note-paper. It read in this fashion: occupations.' with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "What will you do, then?" glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from Leadenhall Street--and--" "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "Never to return." "I will get her to show me." traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you is now desirous of getting those letters back." written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. may never be exposed to such a temptation." and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In happened." bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I pound a week." "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "The landlord of the Alpha." pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "In which, sir?" developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go in a very precise fashion." gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "In the cells." the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is the bottom.' in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to have one." Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. clanging. without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, he. to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she the one as in the other." Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on colour had been driven from his face. "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "I have solved it." house for five minutes.' weapon." St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "The King of Scandinavia." "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the your co-operation." "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. of a light. bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "Which surely he restored to their owner?" time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by have accepted such a situation. surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "None." "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite your co-operation." again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond nonsense.' business in the City. She little knew what. Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is fattened it expressly for you.' part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the tell me that you intended to go into harness." "She walked into the breakfast-room." chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I with frightened eyes at his accuser. extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "Texas, I think." took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a has little to do with my story." from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or all?" if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It I shall continue with my miserable story. going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I answered with a sidelong glance. I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden straighten it?" the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, the inquest, and which are worth considering." out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear."