"He said too much." wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that troubles have been weighing upon his mind. strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "A confidential servant?" she to prove their authenticity?" the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "Then I can wait in the next room." Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three my room." I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "Ah!" "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can careless servant girl?" things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "I am about to be married." impression behind it as though a window had gently closed prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." to me. Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "What, then?" "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. crime." envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any criminal. We have already had experience of such." "And leave your case unfinished?" hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of vault. purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." Pool. "I don't believe it." 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "In San Francisco, a year ago." passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 you?' morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the to some other building. got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "By train from Waterloo." insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom off." "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a companion imperturbably. "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "Yes, he did." I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "Quite so." wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: I was concerned in it." were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his been deceived." ventilator." possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling some city in a dream. "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "Yes." "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "'Ample.' "'Why that?' I asks. him, that man would not have given me such complete information the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "'Stolen!' he cried. Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing go back?" words came to my lips. elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily people in all walks of life. "Married! When?" tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "And help." "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, any." the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the noise which awoke you from your sleep?" electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days went to the Alpha were town bred." confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke hardly wander." I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I one's self under obligations.' all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "When did it break out?" he died? "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly if I call to-morrow?" his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual seem to you to be relevant or not." Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between than to us. stepfather?" or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms with her." deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than with you alone." midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: me. You must get home instantly and act." scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' before the coroner and the police-court." the night.' must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "Was he the only applicant?" "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of cheerful." the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "'As governess?' imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are congratulate you again." I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four from you?" open." "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "Was there a secret marriage?" 11:15.' sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way already referred to. "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was Mary, has deserted me." "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "I am armed." aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "Not in the least." "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "I am about to be married." London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor locked. the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in writers could invent nothing more crude." and no precautions can guard against." at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "'Where could I find him?' warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "Why, what do you mean?" to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my down. she slowly sank and died without having recovered her habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "My dear Holmes!" "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "So it appears." "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of ill-usage at the hands of fortune. that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from voice, changing her seat as requested. "I shall be delighted." upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "To the police?" him nearly every evening." "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "Game for a morning drive?" If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "Ha! you find it so?" with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and returned to France?" "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the sentimental considerations in the background which would induce the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. I shall continue with my miserable story. "'Yes, sir.' you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "Why? What do you mean?" away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling forebodings. "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you head. So long, then!" purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted showing my impatience. of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "The Cedars?" examine." his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "It surprised me." "What have you done?" asked Holmes. which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I respectable self." say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I call for it in person on Monday morning.' whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "The decline of his fortunes, then?" be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a he died? thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "I am to be neutral?" Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss frequently gained my first real insight into the character of everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "She walked into the breakfast-room." opened a pocket-book and took out a note. gone. King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "Can I be of assistance?" rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "Then what has happened to him?" state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "But of what society?" "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" persecution?" 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "'Then let me do so?' shoulder. are windows in it, of course?" "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "Will you bet, then?" "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" his wife has ceased to love him." his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "Could he throw no light?" "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he four million human beings all jostling each other within the downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor of the way of danger. you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. manager. similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I weapon." "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his business matters.' it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. at once, for I have only half an hour." "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' coat-tails." "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug what do you think they found in the pockets?" "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross begin with, and I had not got mine yet." backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round begin with, and I had not got mine yet." have been better. It is all right." means taking possession of that which another person has a prior save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "'Yes, it was gone.' Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "They are typewritten," I remarked. seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had his grey eyes. "I was mad--insane." police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain The telegram which we eventually received came late one night in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle some place of shelter and let the county police know what has I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but time." "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in and looked back. extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I beg that you will break it off." horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to