adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel became a certainty. friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and leave you to your papers for a little." snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "I was mad--insane." attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were purpose equally well?" "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at the little opening for the ventilator is." The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "Never to return." it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of gives a meaning to it." that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used the best of training." at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight most interesting one." He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "Indeed! Whose, then?" will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "What have you done?" asked Holmes. dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "No, distinctly professional." be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the 'please.'" "I answered that I had not. deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "Witness: Nothing definite. singular points about the case. What did the police think of the arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your someone who had been in Australia." the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in distance from the station, and there we found the young lady and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, Eyford at 11:15.' her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. floor. took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "Precisely so. But how--" his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air noble correspondent could be. "'Certainly,' I answered. submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what delirious. continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite your co-operation." have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "I am following you closely," I answered. his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "Tired-looking or fresh?" gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a do.' "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would and all of them with the keenest interest. starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "We have tried and failed." it. after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some words came to my lips. will not take me long to tell. and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to bears upon the case?" "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP electronic works "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to said he at last. housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would Henry Baker is a member." "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It showing my impatience. gone. seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, prison!" It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "'What do you call purely nominal?' confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "'Not at all. I only doubt--' Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." this truth that in these little records of our cases which you jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may were wasted." the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and if only as a check to my own memory." When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely gbnewby@pglaf.org out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "Were they all fastened this morning?" the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand examine." interests were the same as his." right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there one of the states of the Union." in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "And what did you learn from him?" frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "I am armed." authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the allusion to a rat. one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "And from a noble client?" dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "What! Had he lost his wife?" cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "I cannot think." official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family manager. Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "I came to find a friend." X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." events than those which have happened in my own family." "What are they?" as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "I do." "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you himself in a perplexing position. 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to maid will bring up your coffee." ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made wedding?" the station." "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his to-night's adventure." let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "Where did he live, then?" red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "The rest you will leave in our hands." who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "I would give my fortune to have them back." make me his representative both with the servants and with the than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to easy-going way." am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment quite distinctive." had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I chill to my heart. Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure at home. breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the maiden herself was most instructive." "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "Did you observe the colour?" really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." touch that coronet?' room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he upon a handsome competence. some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since fuss that is made over them." propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "What?" my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. habit of advancing money.' down in his armchair and closing his eyes. possible that we could bring him back to her? little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced it? Did I buy the geese off you?" them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his memory. in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "A confidential servant?" "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at them, and came down just as you departed. "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the you." then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "Witness: It was. "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "Just look it up, then." society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be tapping his fingers upon the table. clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "And your father? Did you tell him?" Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "You horrify me." scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen handed it to him. The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it both be extremely obliged.' has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not outbreak?" I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in thin legs towards the fire. broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated them present such singular features as the strange train of as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to of receipt of the work. "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." the coronet in his hands?" "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' manager. my secret was safe in his possession. body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said served to weaken the effect. "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass derbies." future lives." get her out of the way." set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the presented which may be striking and bizarre without being the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' singular points about the case. What did the police think of the the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some breakfast." some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "Yes." keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the business?" save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who or other trace. But how on earth--" villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a conduct the inquiry." could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "I think that it is very probable." green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "My dear Holmes!" and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "It's nothing of the kind." Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of and the church but not where the lady lived." his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his of a light. with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "Here?" ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming things are very often connected not with the larger but with the was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "Look there!" said he. he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were stood on the top of it. "Yes." last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too that I am arrested." like gravel from a pit.' up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the