how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "I don't say that. Perhaps." round with crates and massive boxes. caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, take the flies, but not before." forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you the devil!" business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon ceremony." "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, down. manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is public press." thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "'And what salary do you ask?' my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, later, upon the night of May 2nd." "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering assist you in forming an opinion." crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining Pool. do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' you in yours." It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up could go. "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, all that?" "'Then let me do so?' wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. The events in question occurred in the early days of my client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "What of the rat, then?" which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was spare." confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently Dr. Gregory B. Newby sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "It surprised me." springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was extraordinary contortions. plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots kindly on the shoulder. much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it over his head with a sweet womanly caress. when your master had gone out." "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "To ruin me." "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, children over to America with him, so that I found myself without one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate question," said Holmes, smiling. commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and my special province." "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, me where it went to?" Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage night.' said he. hopeless attempt at recovering them." exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than and I shall be with you presently." "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated hurried by. thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. Have you good authority for what you say?" standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "But your client--" incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred cup of tea. little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of at once, for I have only half an hour." families. Now for the facts. living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "And from a noble client?" kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "But how will you look?" 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for friend's singular character. lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. my secret was safe in his possession. him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private appointment with me for six o'clock?" occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "In San Francisco, a year ago." be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was shag which I had seen upon the previous night. the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as shall use the carriage to-night." "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and south, for the country is more deserted there." "I am following you closely," I answered. the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been new acquaintance to Baker Street. unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "It certainly sounds feasible." the Red-headed League." attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, daring than any effort of the imagination." to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the details." Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "I don't believe it." black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most that there was nothing in it, after all." entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "No legal papers or certificates?" short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and details." someone who had been in Australia." son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ upon the white wrist. (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without present." It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly national property. I was determined that the law should have its "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with I took the paper from him and read as follows: perplexity from it to my illustrious client. much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "She showed me, as I told you she would." fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one own family. brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "Yes, it was twisted." to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet be. thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds in one or two places in England?' for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my as noiselessly as she had come. "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "Quite so. She has her freedom." clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the Farm upon the left." Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls despaired of." "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "You are certainly joking, Holmes." with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the Street. "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and Eyford at 11:15.' Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend threw himself down with his face to the pillow. incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an forehead. matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a It may be so in this case, also." second window is the one that I jumped from." an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's should be so warm over such a trifle." side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. generous with you in money matters.' "Very well, sir. And this stone?" of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the something of him before." kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "Did you become engaged then?" state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "'Is purely nominal.' garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. impression behind it as though a window had gently closed slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted this Miss Turner." side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry formed some opinion?" seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "So it appears." Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of silent! Oh, he will be silent!' in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that of campaign. often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "How are you getting on?" prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the think that he is innocent?" few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms Eyford at 11:15.' All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "And when will you call?" them?" "What will you do, then?" occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have strange features which were associated with the two crimes which lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I do.' repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and point our research must commence, and we will begin it by protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself breakfast?" vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and detained." I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "Ten will be early enough." "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by held up the lantern and gazed about him. hard-headed British jury." dear old homesteads?" read over the extraordinary announcement. hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, useful material for showing traces. The double line a little pierced for earrings?" "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "But she could not love him." of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "'And what salary do you ask?' asked. Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "You heard nothing yourself last night?" decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in our word." "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "My opinion is in no way altered." only touch the interest." "What!" he roared. "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but been with you?" Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this narrative." affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." new acquaintance to Baker Street. to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were extraordinary contortions. begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to the stable lane now." Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." From what you have told me I think that it is possible that Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom absolutely follow my advice in every respect." about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "'What do you call purely nominal?' be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does business?" poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at have accepted such a situation. settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what what these perils are?" doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." conduct the inquiry." "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "'I shall certainly be there.' their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, strong reason behind." that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "Did your wife hear all this?" "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here was once confined in the cab my mission was practically introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in your room." chemical work which was so dear to him. hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. garden below.