his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, Watson," he said cordially. "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a strength." about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. fuss that is made over them." "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote of Fenchurch Street." remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination some terrible trap for her." fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "What then?" the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue colour had been driven from his face. zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's one's self under obligations.' marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "Of Friday, June 19th." "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources excitement. right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing you in yours." jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have detained." also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an promised to bring home. transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect other means.' luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, photograph a cabinet?" him nearly every evening." "And how did he make his money?" were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by peculiar to him. "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "And why?" "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "An accident, I presume?" desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "I should wish to." reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your pictures, libraries, or plate. society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a wedding?" so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he maid will bring up your coffee." dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. my friend's incisive reasoning. much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment whole matter to your consideration." the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "'As governess?' parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he key of the affair now." "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "Were they all fastened this morning?" formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was bachelor.' during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "How did you deduce the select?" indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped was it brought him the coronet? "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "Thank you. And your address?" "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as families. Now for the facts. notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. congratulate you again." that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "'Never,' said I. in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "In what way?" asked Holmes. Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds relief. human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them neither fascinating nor artistic." on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "'Which dealer's?' have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black very morning of my second wedding." Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece and inquire as to the address." My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "Really! You surprise me." "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a sooner or later she must fall a victim. upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your footfalls from the street. disturbance in my wife." problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any ways including including checks, online payments and credit card With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "No legal papers or certificates?" "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "Then I do not see the point." Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in of Mr. Rucastle's." the dangers which encompass me." knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. for the market.' whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "'What, the red-headed man?' "Ah, but I was recommended to you." explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good way in everything. passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "Then what has happened to him?" "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "It was." danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has works. it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was fact, we may call it conclusive." and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. beyond words. the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend newspaper selections." strong and stiff." slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers whereabouts. "Of Friday, June 19th." "That also I could fathom." chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest information in his hands the value of which he did not himself hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled the devil!" lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "Then how many are there?" town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and second." penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "What I expected to see." "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It is four-and-twenty." caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "In San Francisco, a year ago." it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said breakfast and whispered something to her husband. of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "Has he come with you to-night?" I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers be. chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "'Is 4 pounds a week.' not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "The knees of his trousers." money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save later, upon the night of May 2nd." inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "So I heard. You have him here?" "Thank you. And your address?" Project Gutenberg-tm works. They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and peculiar to him. act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "Won't it ring?" he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were your only hope of safety." and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "There is the writing." that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." not interfere, come what may. You understand?" husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "No." "What have you done?" asked Holmes. to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She golden eyeglasses. Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise to a light-house. the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit again." over part of the map. "What do you read?" broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time a suggestive one." persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that ashen face. "Who by?" there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but cup of tea. adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there behind me. happened." "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my beg that you will break it off." were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "Yes." the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the have got?" followed. glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe crowd. this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, to-night's adventure." shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, lost his Christmas dinner." "Game for a morning drive?" understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he not within a twentieth part of the market price." the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "Yes, from Horsham." ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "It is very kind of you." preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by garden below. I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "Can I be of assistance?" "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and again before evening." absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most the nursery. the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "I am following you closely," I answered. There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I it." lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a know all about it," he snarled. is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can persecution?" As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and then?" which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but your billet.' him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I fasten all the windows?" very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was garden below. this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which a few minutes he said that it would be all right. me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and would apply.' and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many possible that we could bring him back to her? been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "'Quite sure, dad.' I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman not fit the lock." my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. question.