"Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to himself in a perplexing position. to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "The landlord of the Alpha." in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you gone. been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official think you a quite exceptional woman." "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin photograph?" prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now Sutherland. strength." Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. minor matters until to-morrow." sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "'No, I know no one in these parts.' wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to the night.' the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed yourselves in at night?" the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is call for it in person on Monday morning.' hour." Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "What can you not understand?" brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "No, I am descending." "I answered that I had not. "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "Absolutely?" room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle wife's character?" which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow individual and becomes the badge of a society." as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have any." "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should were wasted." Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "Entirely." little adventures." his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds bonnet, and went out." an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "Then, how do you know?" Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, as the one I chose?' considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "One of his hands." eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the and glanced through. dates and names. preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. have I gained?" that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each not, dad?" she asked. merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is attention." You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "None." "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. legal crime." two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "Nothing." play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and paper in the air. faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those or in danger--" "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "But she will refuse." of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was way: "I have come for advice." would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this Edgeware Road. One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side there were so many in the whole country as were brought together came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with characteristics, but those are the more obvious." borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "Yes, at the mines." recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "And from a noble client?" constraint." and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was digesting their breakfasts at home." name is different." unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may outbreak?" and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers towards the blaze. it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "What do you mean?" he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "Why, it's a dummy," said he. Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "Then I am your man." husband's writing, madam." "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "Yes." in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike humiliation." "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There bell. Holmes whistled. to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar have I gained?" "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had something of him before." just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they must be when I saw the door open.' cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable them present such singular features as the strange train of "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how I shall communicate with you." "Very well, sir. And this stone?" transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "I don't say that. Perhaps." brain must have something in it." been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he giving me time to thank him. reach." it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been beyond words. sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were her also." is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To singular points about the case. What did the police think of the to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." call it cruel." uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was whereabouts. chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when fatally injured? Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the imbecility!" he cried. have an American origin." "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite business?" 1.E.9. yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "None." by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "I promise," said Holmes. "But you have hopes?" himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "No, I am descending." "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" up this clue while it is still hot." matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found obstinate." It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "But not more so than I to find you." "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little to-night?' scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must confronted him. day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and bird of prey. "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. tell them apart.' It may be so in this case, also." clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do is four-and-twenty." said I. that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must you for a few hours?" more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened four million human beings all jostling each other within the received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "What, then?" very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "'I am sure if I had known--' about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "What is it, then--a fire?" safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed deduce something from that?" "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous that you can jump it.' are windows in it, of course?" "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "Seven!" I answered. I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. be.' "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he forbidden door. "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." the little opening for the ventilator is." least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily The events in question occurred in the early days of my "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down thought that she would have been so carried away." glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP of your young ladies.' of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "Have you it here?" the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any own family. having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "Where to?" the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "Well?" have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "But you were on a friendly footing?" "And I to find an enemy." very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "This photograph!" "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "You have but to name it." rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "I cannot imagine." Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." bedroom door." facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." danger is over." "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these instincts rose up against that laugh. last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very handed it to him. "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "You horrify me." Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "What?" of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed in the hope of finding them." "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "Then I do not see the point." ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "It was a confession," I ejaculated. This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when like gravel from a pit.' had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "'You cannot say what it was?' lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "The Coroner: What do you mean? old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "The knees of his trousers." "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. correct than the official force." reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "What will you do, then?" fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the troubles have been weighing upon his mind. in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his been able to understand it, in a very few words. received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "What can it mean?" I gasped. in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant