unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." affair. business matters.' a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs existence." "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the house for five minutes.' these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "And you can do nothing until then?" black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent fear." "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. leaning back in his chair. whatever might befall. the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling my room." "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "My photograph." "Yes, it was twisted." and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "'Ample.' received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "I think it very unlikely." keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP sake, don't!" reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the several quiet little villages up there." A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could strong and stiff." greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you I. it. time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she London for the present?" 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That even of instruction." evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the over here." dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "Did you become engaged then?" window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "Why did you pick him?" "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her me have 200 pounds?' "'Never,' said I. something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the voice. most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular in his power. back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "Not in the least." "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "Very. But will he see it?" the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "It goes to the housekeeper's room." both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "'What do you call purely nominal?' "Was the window open?" "What, then?" is acting for the best. "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a himself in a perplexing position. "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered Holmes. over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found this man was intellectual?" "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's in darkness. cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "In answer to an advertisement." "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "I am following you closely," I answered. exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. should be so warm over such a trifle." whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. my friend's incisive reasoning. see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate hands. knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a Street. have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the secret." woman who has had her own way to make in the world. say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and floor. perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at quick march!" wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should matter over." back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without over part of the map. "What do you read?" used to be." think you a quite exceptional woman." "'Tell me all about it,' said I. The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off The summons was a brief and urgent one. in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "How did he come?" "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "And why?" as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" murdered man." fishes. which I could not give. He asked for Alice. ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. ceremony." "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible intimate personal affairs in this public manner." rooms." of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "We must sit without light. He would see it through the The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. investigation." "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." like that before?" tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present For additional contact information: Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture the coronet in his hand?" months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great death." definite end. shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin his huge brown hands. door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "Oh, fresh and glossy." which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was Heh?' back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour your bag." We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, not interfere, come what may. You understand?" she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." weary and pale-looking. "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. your equipment. He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable brain must have something in it." was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that written, and locked the door of the office after me. the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "How did that help you?" drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "No, thank goodness, she did not." answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and views." It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. soul! here is her carriage at the door." him nearly every evening." league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some better grown goose." whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away nonsense.' that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, events than those which have happened in my own family." what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "Can I be of assistance?" said he. upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came know that the truth is known." throat." "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to little trying to do so much typewriting?" his face which made him a very different person to the round, slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the noting anything else of interest. "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the not interfere, come what may. You understand?" to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "But he might be a bachelor." she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then place of silver." license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the figure." convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "Where, indeed?" to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of presume?" "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "How many? I don't know." of your young ladies.' professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search signal between you and your father? horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "'I am sure if I had known--' concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared upon the sideboard." was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. particular state visit http://pglaf.org "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "Certainly." regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some to arrive at through this?" "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" once more. and have this put in the evening papers." always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed past. the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "How often?" phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike the side-table." servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "Never." rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the not fit the lock." as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" will not take me long to tell. the room while you explain this matter?" moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the noble correspondent could be. routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by until night should bring an explanation. these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it miles off. what is your own theory as to what took place?" hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been laugh and put his lips to my ear. request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "Pray do so." mystery may be cleared along those lines." bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an nonsense.' them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "To an end?" occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up