"I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he front of the hall door has given its name to the place. round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So developed." "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "You know me, then?" kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened present strange and interesting features that it is no easy papers on the sundial.'" "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "Then, as to money?" "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, you understand?" Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "If so, much may have happened between." your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest now. It seems that there had been some informality about their house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and must be when I saw the door open.' beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. both be extremely obliged.' than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the had a long day." ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "Bought." has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at trifles." pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' depend upon my doing so.' "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. door?" however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "No sign of it?" "Never." every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely direction." my special province." "What have you done?" asked Holmes. neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "Yes." "Dark enough and sinister enough." "What have you to say now?" finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "I will do it." my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. Leave Paddington by the 11:15." closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the less than 26s. 4d. you." geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "And why in hopes?" Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a to a light-house. ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "His face fell immediately. science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "Oh, yes, easily." There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "Bought." makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you what do you think they found in the pockets?" sit on the left-hand side of the driver." the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of address. danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face breakfast." who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying your troubles." unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we death." spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang results." chance." public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm noble correspondent could be. were wasted." really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "Was he the only applicant?" doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' noting anything else of interest. case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the in one or two places in England?' where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but business." "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is touch that coronet?' her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never nice household for a young lady." "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "Was there a secret marriage?" rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of too. disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "I will not look." bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's which our visitor detailed to us. in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, in his hands." be sorry for having acted so harshly." was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business Gutenberg-tm License. so far?" had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to again, where I was soon asleep. "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and to where he stood hid behind the curtain. into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "You are certainly joking, Holmes." the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "I am armed." foot. brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "Dr. Becher's." editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "No." official police." in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." question you as to those details which seem to me to be most snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "'Then let me do so?' refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "'Tell me all about it,' said I. it." "I see no marks." a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than you came in." dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "I think that it is very probable." God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "Dr. Becher's." refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to and the church but not where the lady lived." the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "Where did he live, then?" battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "But how could you guess what the motive was?" By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the again." "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. breakfast and whispered something to her husband. his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "Oh, yes, easily." ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which said he. value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "It surprised me." glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "Pray be precise as to details," said he. said Mr. Holder. Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the row." as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were troubles have been weighing upon his mind. plantation.' off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the eavesdroppers?' beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction closely." crowd. Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "And your mother is alive?" Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which she used." she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking anything to a woman, for she would have her way." jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "Texas, I think." the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "What of the rat, then?" engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely distinguish the words: we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." Munro.' incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "Was she in good spirits?" lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and feature." professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his country, and eventually married, without anyone having a vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "What can it mean?" I gasped. He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a I have it here in my museum." stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with fled together." A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At your troubles." was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. once more on the important position which you have been fortunate to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent the south-west, I see." bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from fashion which was peculiar to him. bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My helping a boy to put up the shutters. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In relation between them, and what the object of his repeated springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the it. why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "Stolen, then." corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "Yes, only one." to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the business came to an end." the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you the bottom.' "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to chemical work which was so dear to him. reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving in the port of London." real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. the stones. misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "But who is he?" that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. DAMAGE. habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just already referred to. "Oh, yes, easily." front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He will he say when he returns?" street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "'Not at all. I only doubt--' that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "She told me to ask you." abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "'Which dealer's?' cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." down from London to inquire more deeply into it." observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his his face which made him a very different person to the round, absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his danger is over." very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "Could he throw no light?" "Your French gold?" lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to purpose of examination. brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could tied." have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of what these perils are?" the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend