walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular Pope's Court, Fleet Street." once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the noble correspondent could be. multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and your equipment. saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "'Most admirably.' or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid know that the truth is known." pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "In the cells." might help us?" waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "And the murderer?" me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying garden below. detained." the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the shadow pass over his face as I spoke. these bleak autumnal evenings." those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the over here." younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that like gravel from a pit.' lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the crime." pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "No, finished." they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day society." "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." I approached. test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "I am following you closely," I answered. struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "Whose house is it?" keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, I held the little printed slip to the light. same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. his eyes and forehead. rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible and put his glass in his pocket. the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to carriage. It was a chestnut." towards the blaze. myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very meanly of me." green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "Yes, sir." and inquire as to the address." "I am armed." at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "Not in the least." annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your residence of the great financier. it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk present." from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, back to my heart. crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her events, Mr. Windibank!" "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a confronted him. first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me the nursery. found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, extraordinary contortions. a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on the inquest, and which are worth considering." cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "On the contrary, this is the right side." labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has was a perfect sample of the class. this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. little trying to do so much typewriting?" subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." thin, with a long, sharp nose?" in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me James Windibank. Voilà tout!" me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little other means.' your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted and the whole place is in a blaze." "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they pressing in one house as in another. weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "'Is 4 pounds a week.' very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "Yes." detained." foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." chair. is," said he presently: conclusions. "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "'Stolen!' he cried. "You know me, then?" "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "But what harm can there be in that?" TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE for its centre. While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "Nothing." already been minutely examined." gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my despaired of." deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. matter over." But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy everything which you would wish to know." the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "I say that I have solved it." was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "This photograph!" "Where, indeed?" showing my impatience. brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I Holmes rather sternly. a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that light and attacked it." perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, name is different." "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. directors, with the result that you have seen." and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out them?" his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two upon a handsome competence. would then never go into court at all." defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in when you have done it." the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "What then?" of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "Where did you address your letters, then?" Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "'Why that?' I asks. casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both round with crates and massive boxes. "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a fish-monger and a tide-waiter." from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who his face. returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all Holmes' room. separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, to affect your life." fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the been shamefully used." corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I him, that man would not have given me such complete information "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this said I. "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in lost his Christmas dinner." charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck mysterious end." overpowering excitement and concern. traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark strange features which were associated with the two crimes which the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "By train from Waterloo." or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "'And the work?' not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which I leave." "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you with the outside air!" "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the of campaign. young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got easy-going way." in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the obstinate." safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "I will do it." "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "Yes, it was twisted." and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again should be taken.' "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" your troubles." "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of learned something! Where are the gems?" professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "I see many objections to any such theory." centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "And why?" dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about John Swain, of St. Augustine. at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem The events in question occurred in the early days of my "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other papers diligently of late, have you not?" beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "Oh, yes, easily." young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I few hundred pounds.' value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the against a man in the prime of life?" "I will get her to show me." the room while you explain this matter?" carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, galvanised. tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the ceremony." "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. your equipment. over part of the map. "What do you read?" home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "How did he come?" well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of business?" absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. the window, rose as we entered. "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. indeed which he could not unravel. passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "I am about to be married." aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "Was your sister dressed?" o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a The King stared at him in amazement. research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "Have you it here?" "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "'Quite sure, dad.' to me. McCarthy's innocence. morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the villagers almost as much as their master. of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "None." "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and chamber." "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "What shall I do?" and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. a very grave face. "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can lumber-room." He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, sentimental considerations in the background which would induce The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of heavy and sharp instrument." 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you indiscretion." interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should examination of the premises, but without finding anything which my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him back alive. "Dr. Becher's." when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the upon an income of about 60 pounds." lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical Holmes' room. hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more I shall continue with my miserable story. enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence against a man in the prime of life?" another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special I held the little printed slip to the light. "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version happened." "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 not come at once?" should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." quick march!" resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What conclusions. Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he then?" he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "Certainly." present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single several quiet little villages up there." It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped