servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and in his power. waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had matters immensely." "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four my little problems." "Where did he live, then?" suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by and capable of preserving a secret.' suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "I promise," said Holmes. saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "Do you know him?" the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, one which it was hard to resist. I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "It surprised me." Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? night.' said he. "You were travelling in the States?" "What! Had he lost his wife?" performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "Yes." giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than morning." "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to until night should bring an explanation. the Friday. Was it to be in church?" firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." a suggestive one." "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I You can understand that this register and diary may implicate a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "I saw her in conversation with her maid." door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "Who was the criminal, then?" few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham character. more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong and glanced through. conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "But how?" that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." she slowly sank and died without having recovered her and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was beyond words. man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland questionable one." stepfather?" writer." a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air the bed, and you in that chair." lost nothing by them." which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The arrested. You then--" railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I important." papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of recall any case within my experience which looked at the first step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. to-night?" I asked. that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "Eh? What was that?" I took the paper from him and read as follows: Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open tightly behind him. "I guessed as much." with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "Where to?" beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "How are you getting on?" were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left down. and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: bears upon the case?" my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "You know me, then?" "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in generous with you in money matters.' breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "I have hopes." passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the vague figure huddled up in the darkness. him and tried to hold him back. glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "'What would be the hours?' I asked. either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "I don't believe it." information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "I have solved it." in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the so far?" down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP 1.E.9. salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "Where is it, then?" signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for yourselves in at night?" which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some hand, madam?" forebodings. both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. this remarkable episode. a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and hopeless attempt at recovering them." Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "By all means." cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "That sounds a little paradoxical." "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., friends, not even his own brother. "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a there when the Rucastles went away." "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' were new raised from a basin. "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been been with you?" ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "Where, then?" Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "'Yes, sir.' at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your photograph a cabinet?" very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "The decline of his fortunes, then?" emerged. lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "Here?" Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the photograph?" extraordinary contortions. building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a six. Come in!" Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, to arrive at through this?" for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for quickly through a disagreeable task. retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "Precisely so. But how--" fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the Arthur Conan Doyle "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced arrested. You then--" real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I burst into a hearty fit of laughter. grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass to a light-house. conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the of fine shops and stately business premises that they really she used." "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the woven round him. twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "And I." little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge be sorry for having acted so harshly." nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." advice." step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "I have my revolver," said I. "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A to take care of herself." introspective fashion. a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my answer." "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke could go. you in your example." "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret get her out of the way." The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. here and I will read it to you: us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you third from London." list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a help us in this matter." "How did you trace it, then?" "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your as yours." "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias closing the door. George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our electronic works entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "Yesterday." swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of newspaper selections." "Yes." providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and look dissatisfied." hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a sound at heart." "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and bird I ate is country bred." previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "The landlord of the Alpha." with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that extraordinary contortions. wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes before the coroner and the police-court." something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "My last client of the sort was a king." He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but should be so warm over such a trifle." takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom matter." "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," whereabouts. "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "No, thank goodness, she did not." that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with think that any burglar could have done. matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and will he say when he returns?" nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss second window is the one that I jumped from." He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" me. You must get home instantly and act." How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "By no means." if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual unprecedented a position." unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your depend upon your compliance." master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." province." and inquire as to the address." his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. outsides of the windows. from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains speckled band?" about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It key of the affair now." very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she present." words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and lost his Christmas dinner." black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray father's young wife. sooner or later she must fall a victim. will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "To an end?" ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, call it cruel." waste of energy." finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose companion. the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some me." stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" stalked out of the room. passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in bears upon the case?" find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction direction." walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "The vanishing of the lady." her also." called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you of Mr. Rucastle's." inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was indeed which he could not unravel. "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" License. You must require such a user to return or graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off