partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical tell him that I know him to be innocent." de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded words came to my lips. fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "I cannot say that I have." necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the geese which you supplied to the Alpha." matter." "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which certainly do as you advise." years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy I. hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "A confidential servant?" on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "No." "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." this poor creature." "My Mary? Impossible!" time." misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in exactly what you advise." "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a seen the man in the road." and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil laugh and put his lips to my ear. "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "I cannot imagine." used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the ceremony." "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread to talk it over. All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a be. "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "By no means." given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin Farm upon the left." "I was afraid that you were engaged." secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of the bottom.' her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice indiscretion." "'Tell me all about it,' said I. We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, his wife has ceased to love him." Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "That you are never beaten." "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and to arrive at through this?" with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "How did he come?" "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the fled together." his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "Whose house is it?" "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the question," said Holmes, smiling. there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked gigantic client. for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "My photograph." granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." The telegram which we eventually received came late one night Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the easy-going way." Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and to you." "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "And how did you find out?" License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. to-morrow." the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a you, my dear young lady?' "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "Where did you address your letters, then?" clang of the bell. may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one electronic works It was close upon four before the door opened, and a 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say good for you to do.' bill, which interests me deeply." get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He you understand?" nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "Was the window open?" "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "Then I shall certainly come." screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting particular state visit http://pglaf.org the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come must compliment you." much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two whereabouts. sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open you in yours." "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the through." public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "But what harm can there be in that?" (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' careless servant girl?" hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his spark where all is dark to me." possible that we could bring him back to her? "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left be best to do. coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the perplexity from it to my illustrious client. disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I my room." were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "I have seen the police." absorbing." really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he fishes. whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "Very truly yours, "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "A greater distance to travel." "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to overpowering excitement and concern. "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King crime. the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, burst into a hearty fit of laughter. official police." shall use the carriage to-night." particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "And I." and files of the old papers, following the future career of every Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "You have it, sir, just as it happened." breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "I should be immensely obliged to you." "But you were on a friendly footing?" "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an congenial hunt. India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two good for you to do.' have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying horse could go." something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "I think that I had better go, Holmes." fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a fait accompli?" fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my cup of tea. to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the through." reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination infinite languor in his face. at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the what I may call a really hard day's work." brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands whereabouts. shall use the carriage to-night." this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "Where did he live, then?" "But of what society?" friends, not even his own brother. and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the which our visitor detailed to us. our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so Lestrade of Scotland Yard." sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that man. singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped late!' "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a look upon these things in a different way." answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of passage and a tap at the door. France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "I have hopes." one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "So I have heard." will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after morning." gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and pictures, libraries, or plate. save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he a monotonous occupation." as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life happened." Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons than to us. was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "And who is her maid?" forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "Dark enough and sinister enough." interests were the same as his." The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a side. ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "But you were on a friendly footing?" "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we Farm upon the left." so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who question. is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "10th. John Swain cleared. Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had locked." "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "Never to return." bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our know that the truth is known." to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "What of the rat, then?" problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if shall use the carriage to-night." "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to forecastle of an emigrant ship. Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign leave you to your papers for a little." just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by situation." I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "Could he throw no light?" "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. said he. even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time himself. aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of that he will be back before evening." "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "'Most admirably.' run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an one else, I think." and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are should be so warm over such a trifle." be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, me what he had done with the three missing stones. filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him newspaper selections." window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. Pope's Court. License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this awaited us upon the table. do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the things are very often connected not with the larger but with the moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and towards the blaze. the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the train from Paddington which would bring you there at about above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" results." families. Now for the facts. dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed his eyes and forehead. it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "I cannot as yet see any connection." "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. some city in a dream. of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body in him." bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide should be taken.' were wasted." Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I that the gas is not laid on in his house?" may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "How many? I don't know." "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the recall any case within my experience which looked at the first several quiet little villages up there." remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of with you?" said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and and prosperity to your house. Good-night." make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue think, you have already met." sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep never came back." smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel returned to France?" should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off