Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in fuss that is made over them." reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. fattened it expressly for you.' Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "Pray be precise as to details," said he. have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of congratulate you again." sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "Well." he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "It came here." "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "The knees of his trousers." our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out himself to tell his story. that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "Whose house is it?" her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very outsides of the windows. of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "It is very clear." and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, John Swain, of St. Augustine. think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. and prosperity to your house. Good-night." Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "By all means." "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "The Coroner: What do you mean? you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "But his left-handedness." utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of mystery!" "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "He disappeared so suddenly." Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "Witness: I must still refuse. "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there had died away into the silence from which it rose. afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no made him keep the appointment." "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I gone. have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in bedroom door." Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. bell. Holmes whistled. "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "You think so, too?" "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black are, I think, all that we need." less than 26s. 4d. as yours." the window, rose as we entered. that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke over with notes and figures. like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "What, then?" sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "My private note-paper." "My private note-paper." a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "I fear not." leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely corner of the building. at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both writers could invent nothing more crude." him. have been better. It is all right." husband's writing, madam." seven miles from Eyford Station.' Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which swore that no one else had been in the front room during the in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones round with crates and massive boxes. companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same The King stared at him in amazement. The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in together. that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "I cannot say that I have." "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer with her." in your London, you will know that the office of the company is to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "But you can know nothing of this?" at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "And help." seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "You have but to name it." pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an hair?' business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." must be when I saw the door open.' to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the dear old homesteads?" flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all washing it down with a long draught of water. Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his handed it to him. "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "I say that I have solved it." much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your asked. one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. without success. At last the little money which I had saved began me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. page at http://pglaf.org thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips 'I should be able to look after that for you.' slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive upon the shelf for the interim." have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone criminal. We have already had experience of such." rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "What?" person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. been able to understand it, in a very few words. visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "One of his hands." should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "It is to him that this trophy belongs." is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." voice. and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is laugh and put his lips to my ear. upon the sideboard." cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you had a long day." wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "We must sit without light. He would see it through the He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself shall not find me ungrateful." And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" http://gutenberg.net/license). London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "The gentleman I describe." what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' over here." step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my in this note: came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "I see many objections to any such theory." the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a that threaten you." "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do despaired of." swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for been." When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "He said too much." "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "I do." enter into my head. back to my heart. greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "Nothing?" "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing been with you?" in him." and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried if only as a check to my own memory." "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his strong and stiff." unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being the bottom.' floor. passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "No good news?" "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "That is also quite modern," said the lady. his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can vague figure huddled up in the darkness. betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' bore every mark of being an average commonplace British law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of at once, for I have only half an hour." depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "No good news?" I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away if only as a check to my own memory." call the police, let the police find what they can.' this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right forehead. The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from London for the present?" be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my the iron safe, which he closed upon it. results." and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from and inquire as to the address." "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "'Entirely.' distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "Yes." to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "Yes." I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town in my life." considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather three fields round his house, and there he would take his "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "No, I had a dozen." was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and who was a member of your goose club." first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "Pray let us have it, for all that." "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for shaken than I had ever seen him. "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her I have it here in my museum." and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the believe that I should never have any practice at all. License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. at my own good fortune. "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "And Miss Sutherland?" thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in cheerful." the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "Yes." "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "And how in the world did you find them?" out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting as he folded up the epistle. had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his imbecility!" he cried. on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to help us in this matter." tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, was feeling which was the fattest.' Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but prepare for the new role I have to play." were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." then?" Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "What, then, did Peterson do?" I was concerned in it." "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "It is true that I have been generally successful." "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "And what then?" man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him one of the states of the Union." "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the indiscretion." glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, obstinate." "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "It came here." "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in to-night?" I asked. "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his is so. I know all about McCarthy." constraint." "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite persecution?" but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "Entirely." "Then the page we have seen--" LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE of receipt of the work. was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a brain must have something in it." world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled rat could hardly pass through." brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "No, I had a dozen." face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the have an American origin." note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not place no limit on the sum I may draw." equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "You saw the ventilator, too?" wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing delirious. "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang of this gang." I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. bill, which interests me deeply." 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "Yes." "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "You know me, then?" not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "That sounds a little paradoxical." fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining married her." and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "And what did you learn from him?" there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the out of this horrible affair." up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the reach." was a lad." "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now have one." from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut