"But his left-handedness." half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "I see no marks." you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "I have seen the police." which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "Yes." Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to into her hand at the door and which lured her within their analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot stalked out of the room. them?" own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in to where he stood hid behind the curtain. that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the advice." 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "It was a confession," I ejaculated. best detective that ever lived. out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so presented more singular features than that which was associated something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "None." been with you?" for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their a little more before I quite committed myself. the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over Sutherland. "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "And your father? Did you tell him?" "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "Very murderous indeed." you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, thought that she would have been so carried away." collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of your room." "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just had formerly been in part my own. clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "She showed me, as I told you she would." "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "This concluded the examination of the witness." She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all furiously. "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it events, Mr. Windibank!" appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of that you saw all that I did." But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. interests were the same as his." "I came to find a friend." grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "One of his hands." this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "And Irene Adler?" "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "'And what salary do you ask?' we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers strength of mind to control. drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I of fine shops and stately business premises that they really grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "Of what day?" photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he ways of our fellow-men." of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am hopeless attempt at recovering them." "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side said he. seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the late!' XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope What do you deduce from it?" middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, the very letters. But what is this written above them?' maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he Arthur Conan Doyle of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, questionable one." "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "One of his hands." a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "You don't mind breaking the law?" with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "Yes." his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I there!' struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes not come at once?" stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "I am still in the dark." could go. "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, like that before?" understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a the salesman. deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. any more." Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "But who is he?" here." story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular tail." "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "Because he was handy and would come cheap." she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a might help us?" him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and window when the police appeared." signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "It is to him that this trophy belongs." dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than see me here to avoid scandal." quickly through a disagreeable task. through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the like that before?" business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "Yes, they were peculiar boots." its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily his face which made him a very different person to the round, he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand soul! here is her carriage at the door." list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads go--none." robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "BALLARAT." two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. to Leatherhead. A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation conversation I have gathered that they have been married about the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she and that he would see to anything that turned up. The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "And how did you find out?" the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "Oh, fresh and glossy." to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was again before evening." entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "'Certainly,' I answered. something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; details." back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "And I to find an enemy." "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. fact, we may call it conclusive." "And your mother is alive?" "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that easy-going way." Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "That is unusual in a young girl." has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his have been better. It is all right." "'Very good.' "Not him." III. "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "Ah, but I was recommended to you." it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" had a long day." inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "'Which dealer's?' rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her locked." poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" upon a handsome competence. "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and attention." believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his occurred." the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "Eh? What was that?" stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "I should like to see him very much." before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "I am all attention, madam." his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of case-book, which he consulted. pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a gone before you can get him to hospital." "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my obstinate." my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a interests were the same as his." can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all your Highness to the police-station?" open." I shall continue with my miserable story. which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door photograph?" "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "'Oh, no.' Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "On Monday." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "'I am sure if I had known--' initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped even of instruction." "'Certainly not. But why?' has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster might have a private word with us. innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect during the last few years, and there are many noble families to tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his to tackle the facts." "And for present expenses?" continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "What is it, then--a fire?" than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would ill-usage at the hands of fortune. on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." face and glided from the room. arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "And from a noble client?" spare." into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a minor matters until to-morrow." we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." call you and give you the chance." they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "But he might be a bachelor." to-night?" I asked. should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. orange pips. going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had where Mr. Fordham shows you.' vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, carried out of court." furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "Then I can wait in the next room." "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, man. I know him from the photograph." drove away. read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "How can you tell that?" sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "She walked into the breakfast-room." him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may digesting their breakfasts at home." either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, way in." "'And what salary do you ask?' places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned very morning of my second wedding." "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." did not hear it also.' that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "ARAT," I read. Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day will he say when he returns?" through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "Come in!" said he. whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return with you?" "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" acted in my house last night?" direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. written. fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different vault. unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, absolutely follow my advice in every respect." point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, is acting for the best. "Never to return." knowledge of the world." enough to aid us in our search." used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "Holmes, the busybody!" "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant