figure." "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is me where it went to?" to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "No?" ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "I answered that I had not. Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my for and were ordered to this address. delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how bedroom door." and laid it on the table. black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "Did your wife hear all this?" collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "Will you go?" dear old homesteads?" "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "One horse?" interjected Holmes. of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the his grey eyes. distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. upon the sideboard." the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could is acting for the best. having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. I shall communicate with you." unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of together. the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to Miss Holder?" and laid it on the table. rooms." were wasted." higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there remarked. all that?" have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and and it need not interfere very much with one's other shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "That is easily got." woven round him. in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold advice." push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "Very truly yours, the Red-headed League." of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off strength of mind to control. suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem swore that no one else had been in the front room during the in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "Yes, only one." they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every American. Then who could this American be, and why should he time." next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "Of what day?" "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, written, and locked the door of the office after me. speckled band?" "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of sparkled upon his finger. "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "And how did you verify them?" was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up tell him that I know him to be innocent." having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, some city in a dream. process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "Of what day?" and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "Witness: It was. "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "Never." photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a characteristics, but those are the more obvious." whereabouts. Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but the general public were present, then?" "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "Did he not advertise?" paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "But he might be a bachelor." rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew country, and eventually married, without anyone having a and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "It is half-past ten now." foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the absorbing." light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw and your relations to her." "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? national property. I was determined that the law should have its he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a second." the night.' what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat Lee, in the county of Kent." which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him over here." "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "I don't believe it." father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the of the efforts of the United States government and of the better dates and names. "Nearly eleven." "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third unkempt, staring out at me. dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my forehead. frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. himself. heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "Then you may be so with me." shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and of the vacancies.' "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little works. distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at appointment with me for six o'clock?" "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a done what I asked you, Jones?" anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle Holmes." took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. questioning and rather startled gaze. he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a meant." face and glided from the room. Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "Very well, sir. And this stone?" his face. The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the client, rising. (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all remarked. have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not words came to my lips. stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, electronic works will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "This photograph!" "Precisely so. But how--" description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the The events in question occurred in the early days of my "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time which our visitor detailed to us. but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "How many? I don't know." "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of front of me. fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled thirty. Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "Certainly." a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called was feeling which was the fattest.' at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "Yes." and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the and capable of preserving a secret.' the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one reach." methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "You will not go there first?" firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "You have carte blanche." zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "Here?" He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "She will not sell." at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the closely." after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "Then what has happened to him?" has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have it." power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here Holmes' room. "You don't mind breaking the law?" objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that to arrive at through this?" of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "No good news?" hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the all?" showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight exactly what you advise." hand, madam?" "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for Does that suggest anything?" customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "A greater distance to travel." words came to my lips. he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had to-night?" I asked. strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found But Holmes shook his head gravely. inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "Your sister is dead, then?" "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "Yes, at the mines." you for a few hours?" luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." could not have written that. It is the German who is so his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round chambers. the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "Imitated." to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "I promise," said Holmes. Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I retorted upon me, and I on you." the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' or in danger--" avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of read over the extraordinary announcement. myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a words came to my lips. should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. that, and I came down." "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears had formerly been in part my own. companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "And leave your case unfinished?" tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be swore that no one else had been in the front room during the for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "You think so, too?" of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." October 9, 1890. was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "In heaven's name, what for?" dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the to take care of herself." she has been waylaid. There has been no result." leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still are, and they are waiting for us." "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat even so self-evident a thing as that." air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was an introduction to him?" "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I questioning and rather startled gaze. down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their any more." Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or bedroom door." "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest your room." "About a month then." XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET may never be exposed to such a temptation." "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down wall." retorted upon me, and I on you." there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "Your French gold?" upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very During two years I have had three consultations and one small stalked out of the room. seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of him nearly every evening." paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From