ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "That is possible." friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all up this clue while it is still hot." in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" photograph?" self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "I cannot imagine." stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the of this gang." that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was all that?" push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the new duties?' the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "I will, Miss Turner." fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said you." "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, shoulder. elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' experiences." in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my gbnewby@pglaf.org that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank Pope's Court, Fleet Street." Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came dead, shall be safe with us." low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "But his lameness?" retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither you give your casting vote to?" and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "I am still in the dark." Holmes' thin, eager face. "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. unprofitable." "Nearly eleven." Does that suggest anything?" to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. too. "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "Never." "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter business?" considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point have had none more fantastic than this." your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it the general public were present, then?" the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly over with notes and figures. importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "'What then?' I asked. home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." thin legs towards the fire. and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day the coronet in his hand?" man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the noise which awoke you from your sleep?" into her hand at the door and which lured her within their for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "Do you know him?" "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else in this way: then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her absolutely follow my advice in every respect." wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "The Cedars?" "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in that he has suffered." which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and Sutherland?" Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to became a certainty. examination of the premises, but without finding anything which fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "None." "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "Yes, from Horsham." wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "And I say east," said my patient. "It was an hour's good drive." not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security is a common subject for conversation. And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage Sholtos." as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "Did your wife hear all this?" let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. only touch the interest." and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. tied." this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended paper in the air. set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, father's place of business?" knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "Ha! you find it so?" skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who know all about it," he snarled. hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." like that before?" asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "But I have heard all that you have heard." colour had been driven from his face. possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by fattened it expressly for you.' "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's completely overtopped every other consideration that we both their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager friends, not even his own brother. force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "You did not overhear what they said?" "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our any little problem which you may submit to me." and prosperity to your house. Good-night." thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. bore every mark of being an average commonplace British should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of some city in a dream. great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "Perhaps we may make them less so." laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "No, I am descending." was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As Sutherland?" keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our you." It may be so in this case, also." sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no weary and pale-looking. hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, said he. enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP details." "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue works. "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few Again Holmes raved in the air. mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" The note was undated, and without either signature or address. analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "Witness: I must still refuse. said he. cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in key of the affair now." Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened bill, which interests me deeply." "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "What then?" I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. other, as fresh and trim as possible. midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst Doctor, of the paper and the date." gives a meaning to it." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "No good news?" flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "'Entirely.' shoulder; "he's all right." downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the to go into your room and bar your shutters?" you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for Literary Archive Foundation us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "Why serious?" the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "She showed me, as I told you she would." we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." the south-west, I see." "Very well, sir. And this stone?" way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "That sounds a little paradoxical." power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but I approached. arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "Could he throw no light?" broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. and laid it on the table. in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to was it brought him the coronet? singular points about the case. What did the police think of the Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "No, but the enclosure is." is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the man. I know him from the photograph." used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "But I am all in the dark." on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "My dear Holmes!" light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the and the church but not where the lady lived." spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. tear off another piece?' "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "The rest you will leave in our hands." and have this put in the evening papers." fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, Leadenhall Street--and--" "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense populous neighbourhood." "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem into the bag, and made for the door. without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "I am in hopes that she does." "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "'Stolen!' he cried. clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more results." serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "They are typewritten," I remarked. done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. eavesdroppers?' soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "Why? What do you mean?" there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar words came to my lips. the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all the coronet at all injured?" American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, careless servant girl?" not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." way in." eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the foresight and the moral retrogression?" however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "How did that help you?" "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his any more." with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. waste of energy." which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden Munro.' no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert as he folded up the epistle. Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the my friend's incisive reasoning. from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. photograph a cabinet?" Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" for the market.' the stones. "She told me to ask you." the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "You heard nothing yourself last night?" contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a distinguish the words: snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St.