"No. His orders were to stay in the house." array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "Then you may be so with me." thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell woven round him. labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and footfalls from the street. know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in appeal." anything to do with the matter?" my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "Yes?" "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and article?" provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is that before taking the final step I should like to submit the Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and useful material for showing traces. The double line a little pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "Yes." "Not social, then?" "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your works. she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about sake, don't!" affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to to-night." master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we train from Paddington which would bring you there at about gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to and a shock of very red hair. room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who 1.E.9. "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's do.' purpose equally well?" Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "What do you mean?" money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I entirely lost his self-respect." tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest room had already been engaged for us. between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "I cannot imagine." bed dies. Does not that strike you?" form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so dramatic, in fact." The telegram which we eventually received came late one night country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "No?" very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "Now, then, what's the last entry?" edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "And the murderer?" "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" made his money." "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. the running down." at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest himself to tell his story. estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure Pool. a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "And your father? Did you tell him?" with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for what these perils are?" about here speaks of his kindness to him." "How did you trace it, then?" "I should be immensely obliged to you." the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "And that is--" daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my silent! Oh, he will be silent!' contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should think that he is innocent?" been shamefully used." find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" believe that I should never have any practice at all. round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. bachelor.' "Was the window open?" "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "And I to find an enemy." he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the Where does the thing come from?' story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "I cannot as yet see any connection." shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so the salesman. to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "Pray do so." answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "Yes." it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the within hail.' "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "Was he the only applicant?" "Imitated." fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "Yes, at the mines." "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "I will, Miss Turner." you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who once more for Briony Lodge. warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William Cross for the Continent." the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, never will be, entirely cleared up. "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. throat." Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "Was there a secret marriage?" foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with husband's writing, madam." "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "In the cells." "It must be recovered." Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the to tackle the facts." retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "No, distinctly professional." "But I am all in the dark." transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was instincts rose up against that laugh. have an American origin." "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a Sholtos." "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." father's young wife. morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is cup of tea. with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, locked. "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "Where to?" the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a the bed, and you in that chair." "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he strong reason behind." down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "9th. McCauley cleared. Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare of his shoulders. "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I Holmes rather sternly. "I see many objections to any such theory." case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into brought there to personate someone, and the real person is things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "Did your wife hear all this?" "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind conduct the inquiry." very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "No, but the enclosure is." "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my business." "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "Oh, the cause is excellent!" man. so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from questioning and rather startled gaze. drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling in a very precise fashion." dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "But of what society?" obstinate." once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his to arrive at through this?" to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "Precisely." "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "None. Neville wrote those words." "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us your billet.' "And how did you find out?" floor. it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was words came to my lips. the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant when your master had gone out." come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "Bought." I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations nothing of it?" hurried by. interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but face and glided from the room. We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young back into the street. Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I wedding?" myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I skylight. most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her waste of energy." which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be before, for it was considerably after midnight. breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "It was a confession," I ejaculated. look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune started for the Temple to see my husband. "I have hopes." "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest cigars in their mouths. his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon passage and a tap at the door. adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "Very much so." "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took tied." comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "And for present expenses?" all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is there when the Rucastles went away." the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a new duties?' "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "What, then?" "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been Holmes." "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp me have 200 pounds?' Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "That is not always so easy." adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation be sorry for having acted so harshly." Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the observed. But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know "What, then, did Peterson do?" handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and security.' "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for where she found matters as described by the last witness. occupations.' its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell which I could not give. He asked for Alice. a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, cigar and let me expound." washing it down with a long draught of water. of note-paper. It read in this fashion: swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in in the port of London." the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting to talk it over. "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "Then you may entirely rely on me." "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." disturbance in my wife."