that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the a monotonous occupation." with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "A call for help, you thought?" neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "'What do you call purely nominal?' than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. ran thus: "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "Was there a secret marriage?" companion. as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "And the murderer?" distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble frequently gained my first real insight into the character of the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was quite distinctive." business matters.' cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, is worth.' week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to three fields round his house, and there he would take his side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "Pray do so." the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "It is possible." he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "Very much so." thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "The rest you will leave in our hands." the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "I don't say that. Perhaps." might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the fatally injured? explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to IS "But how?" it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. remarked. front of the hall door has given its name to the place. laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "And when will you call?" the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "Well, but China?" "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite coat-tails." reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "It is his hat." had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room answered with a sidelong glance. clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "Absolutely?" said I. as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at tail." 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a always that they were such commands as a lady might with Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw ready to-morrow?' the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, call you and give you the chance." point in the dark hollow of his hand. printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "What have you to say now?" hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the a room. statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is straightened it out again. law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "My stepfather's business papers." Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten strong reason behind." their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, It was close upon four before the door opened, and a glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, floor. "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you charged with?" fishes. "'Which dealer's?' to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my there in twenty minutes." confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. yourselves in at night?" The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over their singular warning or token before them when starting upon had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. experiences." "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an train.' his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a 11:15.' have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "It is a murder, then?" muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the Literary Archive Foundation during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was recall any case within my experience which looked at the first she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' breakfast?" possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, what is your own theory as to what took place?" events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "Where, then, is my wife?" never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the chemical work which was so dear to him. down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "I cannot think." horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "You did not overhear what they said?" more solid." bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "And I." refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "What!" he roared. re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to But Holmes shook his head gravely. observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "Yes, only one." repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. me have 200 pounds?' visitors." "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "Because he was handy and would come cheap." While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "Where, then, is my wife?" was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion tell them apart.' overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "What of the rat, then?" connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "That is not always so easy." preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "When did it break out?" permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "What are they?" been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "That is easily got." developed." heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "But how did you gain them?" crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the as he remarks, very much against the son." so far?" merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed least a fellow-countryman. dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and you came in." "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I Heh?' wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "I promise," said Holmes. what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I papers must be those that are destroyed.' but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror the tragedy. "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." paper in the air. "Yes." "I was afraid that you were engaged." and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was roused himself from his reverie. have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, asked. "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in lamp. too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't said Mr. Holder. same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is bonnet, and went out." "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "Yes, that is the Crown." Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the tell them apart.' death." moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "Precisely." to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning hour." "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business astonishment. skylight. in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your call you and give you the chance." desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim the little opening for the ventilator is." thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "Who was the criminal, then?" chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "But I have heard all that you have heard." daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "I don't believe it." carried out of court." expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a nonsense.' "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were his huge brown hands. know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "I saw her in conversation with her maid." if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible past. "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them main points of my analysis." the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent me. You must get home instantly and act." "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What them, and came down just as you departed. "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the lumber-room." thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" at a side door. key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "It is a murder, then?" cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "Very murderous indeed." "A confidential servant?" in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, annoyance, but no jest. "A greater distance to travel." companion quietly. banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my call for protection in the marriage market, for the present morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were were unconscious?" "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "None." "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his Munro.' "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned I was concerned in it." opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "'Yes, sir.' feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "Indeed! Whose, then?" dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face pictures, libraries, or plate. quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "Witness: I must still refuse. prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "And Miss Sutherland?" force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but together. While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a friends, not even his own brother. whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "That you are never beaten." Henry Baker is a member." first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear married her." five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg lumber-room." Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the will be renamed. away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "Bought." and looked back. understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the been." succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted read over the extraordinary announcement. "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see off." and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four any." would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of true." He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. paper in the air. with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP quite distinctive." some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private said I.