"'Then let me do so?' "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" experiences." "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "How about poison?" the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "But she could not love him." that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps I was concerned in it." stood on the top of it. "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated The police have openly confessed that they can at present make posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied rose-bushes. cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond opened the door, and slipped through. his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of skylight. about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "Entirely." work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of has little to do with my story." "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, several quiet little villages up there." "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet fish-monger and a tide-waiter." fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you in. his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon right! Sit down and let us talk it over." hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' status with the IRS. woman who has had her own way to make in the world. his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his bare slabs of marble. that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and Doctor, of the paper and the date." "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "You were travelling in the States?" actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make The events in question occurred in the early days of my "Not particularly." look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "I have seen the police." "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's foot. at a side door. summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching children over to America with him, so that I found myself without and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong will he say when he returns?" with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was been with you?" some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "You don't mind breaking the law?" slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite arrangements." cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "And why in hopes?" "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "'Yes, it was gone.' "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the from the brougham. feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other seem to you to be relevant or not." prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "Will you bet, then?" either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next look upon these things in a different way." which are rolled in Rotterdam." I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "Really! You surprise me." once more on the important position which you have been fortunate The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has away into the river." of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in business matters.' hands. afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I upon a handsome competence. http://gutenberg.net/license). Edgeware Road. where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "He is dead," cried several voices. "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "I have my revolver," said I. fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this of Fenchurch Street." question. my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." asked. "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we see a sister of mine apply for." up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew done what I asked you, Jones?" "An enemy?" one's self under obligations.' the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and make me his representative both with the servants and with the third from London." secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "In heaven's name, what for?" writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "'Where to?' His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "It is very clear." staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back be there in time for your coming." "An accident, I presume?" assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp geese which you supplied to the Alpha." a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that generous with you in money matters.' should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "Ah!" grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to be best to do. a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "'Where could I find him?' 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "I am to be neutral?" off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This of Mr. Rucastle's." also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales brain must have something in it." "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered "On your arm?" foot. and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction generous with you in money matters.' among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their room. the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a like that before?" "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you plantation.' villagers almost as much as their master. of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "So it appears." James Windibank. Voilà tout!" insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "'Then let me do so?' Count Von Kramm." one of them." heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "Certainly." we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I meanly of me." swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. strength in the others." "They are typewritten," I remarked. Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she careless servant girl?" Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. my little problems." action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, started for the Temple to see my husband. "That also I could fathom." metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "What will you say?" "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive ways of our fellow-men." her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you My friend smiled. green of the new foliage. course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." in a very precise fashion." "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your to have been novel and of interest." The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "You have a clue?" travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, cup of tea. this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some unprecedented a position." Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "Which surely he restored to their owner?" that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "He said that you could solve anything." "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "'I have heard so.' volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "Your sister is dead, then?" 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and fasten all the windows?" "A client, then?" "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by stepfather?" the Friday. Was it to be in church?" annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties present strange and interesting features that it is no easy time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed speckled band?" the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You ordinary clothes on?" His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several it." order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. point in the dark hollow of his hand. age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the child?' purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me I. deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two was a perfect sample of the class. He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front both be extremely obliged.' really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." done what I asked you, Jones?" was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "'Ten to two.' dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was interest. They are important, you understand, without being of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much acted in my house last night?" "Yes." dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the deduce something from that?" fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here he died? glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the as he folded up the epistle. time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then at once, for I have only half an hour." Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" said he at last. The events in question occurred in the early days of my Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and she used." "You have but to name it." cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a to-night?" I asked. nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to cheerful." railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious of a light. provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me promised to bring home. "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "My own seal." my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all Farm upon the left." really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "Yes." upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch derbies." "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came of them has the shutters up.' "Yes." her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would the Red-headed League." alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, what these perils are?" It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "Where did he live, then?" case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel do you make of it all?" about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in