years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' the date of his supposed suicide." it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without during which he might have communicated with his friend the "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely that he will be back before evening." fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "We must sit without light. He would see it through the here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "What will you do, then?" asked with his eyes open. can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your question," said Holmes, smiling. to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall lectures into a series of tales." and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "Nearly eleven." "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in their singular warning or token before them when starting upon her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a guilty parties." aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the the nursery. the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "But what is it you wish?" headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "And did you observe any change in her then?" woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. and put his glass in his pocket. "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this other means.' woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "'And what salary do you ask?' "Can I be of assistance?" "'Is 4 pounds a week.' doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the hands. more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "That was it, sir." push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall together. is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "And from a noble client?" "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "On your arm?" have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "Yes, all." "I don't say that. Perhaps." chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another not fit the lock." respectable self." present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture formed some opinion?" taking in every detail of the apartment. "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "How about poison?" photograph?" "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle sparkled upon his finger. cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a least a most suspicious remark." It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "'Certainly,' I answered. "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the the little opening for the ventilator is." explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, and put his glass in his pocket. pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its new acquaintance to Baker Street. "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our this Miss Turner." "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the unprecedented a position." "Where, then?" "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more know what is wrong with it.' "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "So it appears." would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, up this clue while it is still hot." implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a father's place of business?" very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who meant it for the best. him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "It is very clear." to arrive at through this?" absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps I am not easy in my mind about them." threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will see me here to avoid scandal." letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have arms and began to sob in a high treble key. foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in at once, for I have only half an hour." the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "How often?" There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly became a certainty. conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. written. pressing in one house as in another. the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "It is to him that this trophy belongs." overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more emerged. "Game for a morning drive?" lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer may never be exposed to such a temptation." his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or in a very precise fashion." "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "'It is locked up,' I answered. upon the sideboard." "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and when you have done it." somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "That is also quite modern," said the lady. on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "Yes, sir." honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "What is it?" "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "Witness: It was. ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I married her." Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "Did your wife hear all this?" "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with the salesman. the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. way in everything. mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "So I am. Very much so." "Game for a morning drive?" begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "Yes. He waved his hands." know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "That is it on the dressing-table." "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late DISSOLVED. "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which October 9, 1890. the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the opened a pocket-book and took out a note. I approached. to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "Have you her photograph?" Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a side. floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the despair." colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of night.' said he. manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue carriage. It was a chestnut." Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I chill to my heart. may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "'Yes.' married her." girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "I cannot as yet see any connection." "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which enter Dr. Roylott's room." "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "I should like to see him very much." "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon from the brougham. Surrey." the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly and that he would see to anything that turned up. corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting any more." Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with you?" breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "One?" foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked manager. scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to it means?" see me here to avoid scandal." the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers go--none." vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks success. homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of hopeless attempt at recovering them." "Dark enough and sinister enough." the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was soul! here is her carriage at the door." "I was afraid that you were engaged." here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into out." cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his your only hope of safety." of Fenchurch Street." it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though garden below. rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "On your arm?" assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to or in danger--" but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If was a lad." son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "No, I think that I'll take it." much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "About a month then." "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not guilty parties." staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "I cannot think." "How are you getting on?" "I would give my fortune to have them back." are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, main points of my analysis." people don't know." continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "I am still in the dark." "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "Nothing." too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "Seven!" I answered. will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found spark where all is dark to me." village inn over there?" gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "Certainly, madam." "You are certainly joking, Holmes." It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite residence of the great financier. landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "What will you do, then?" rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "Was she in good spirits?" Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as you want, then?' performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." with frightened eyes at his accuser. be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our in a friendly supper." and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his any." my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are certainly do as you advise." on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "My photograph." "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "What!" he roared. back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "Is he quiet?" very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty or in danger--" for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his his face which made him a very different person to the round, near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my cigars in the box." the Assizes." his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "And what did you see?" "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are already been minutely examined." "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, returned to France?" "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. do.' not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, License. You must require such a user to return or his face. "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "His face fell immediately. wedding?" and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it one of the states of the Union."