answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** or other trace. But how on earth--" in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after garden below. "'What do you call purely nominal?' dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this cigars in their mouths. fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "We were both in the photograph." though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to depend upon your compliance." "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the in the hope of finding them." first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room the very letters. But what is this written above them?' after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "Was she in good spirits?" present." as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I all?" room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it gone before you can get him to hospital." journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the never will be, entirely cleared up. line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me Leave Paddington by the 11:15." arrested. You then--" "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "What then?" "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of but preventing her from injuring another. "But of what society?" volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would for securing the situation." not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the families. Now for the facts. do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "Was she in good spirits?" note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I awkward doing business with an alias." "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in ran thus: adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an ourselves in the office." 'I should be able to look after that for you.' lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. imbecility!" he cried. figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." unprofitable." are windows in it, of course?" Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." asked with his eyes open. and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten he died? The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "A client, then?" "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest place, I think that there is good ground to think that the Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "Did you observe the colour?" forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the mystery may be cleared along those lines." upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "You are hungry," I remarked. "And it is--" lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the power." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William face and glided from the room. Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party during which he might have communicated with his friend the TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather and glanced through. newspaper selections." derbies." is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "Pray let us have it, for all that." besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular events, Mr. Windibank!" hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." to have that photograph." you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a your troubles." "But I have heard all that you have heard." 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "He might." "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "When did she vanish, then?" of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "You are hungry," I remarked. poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "Very murderous indeed." "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "But to whom?" shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered you." wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to the inner apartment." said he. But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular geese which you supplied to the Alpha." upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' throat." will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some simple cases which are so extremely difficult." behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending frequently gained my first real insight into the character of again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done matter." mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "But who is he?" shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "It is a murder, then?" "It is to him that this trophy belongs." matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He threw himself down with his face to the pillow. that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "He is dead," cried several voices. "You will not go there first?" you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "It was." brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new I leave." "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill before the coroner and the police-court." From what you have told me I think that it is possible that For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "May I see it?" maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all detective. wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always Mary, has deserted me." "'What, the red-headed man?' of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an them, and came down just as you departed. see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "What will you say?" "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed prove to be little relation between the different incidents of strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the business at Coburg Square is serious." go from here to the Strand." until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "How did you trace it, then?" "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in be sorry for having acted so harshly." reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened if she died from some sudden fright." I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, there!' about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and of campaign. case before our client came into the room." corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a indeed happy." together. your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." suddenly upon us." abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "Precisely." moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "Certainly." accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He should be so warm over such a trifle." before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they opportunities to fix the problem. closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates wife's character?" interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "You think that he is dead?" and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four residence of the great financier. by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable tension within him. A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "But you have hopes?" "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On astonishment. of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. to you." "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of out." "It is very kind of you." nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than you came in." impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "I cannot imagine." out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case think you a quite exceptional woman." what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "But we can't all be." most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "Where, then?" "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "Really! You surprise me." drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could present." When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where that you saw all that I did." "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, waste of energy." strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, quick march!" carried out of court." you give your casting vote to?" to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "I cannot as yet see any connection." Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "And why in hopes?" "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "The rest you will leave in our hands." not within a twentieth part of the market price." have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "Ten will be early enough." fatally injured? that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied details should find their way into the papers. Inspector status with the IRS. LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "Of what?" garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad a very grave face. "No, my brougham is waiting." my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I most interesting one." Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small guilty parties." sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "I will do it." rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his written. that, and I came down." her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It you." young Openshaw's." conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. 11:15.' from the brougham. more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "Certainly." transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "'What, the red-headed man?' it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black meant." "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, village inn over there?" death." "Who was the criminal, then?" reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing ways of our fellow-men." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "Whose house is it?" was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your bed dies. Does not that strike you?" is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance more terrible than the truth. the bed, and you in that chair." Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our himself to tell his story. Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced go from here to the Strand." doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small Serpentine Avenue. Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters The police have openly confessed that they can at present make Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "'It is locked up,' I answered. "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall will not take me long to tell. correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "Thank you. Pray proceed." "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." long narrative. "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "Always." and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving politicians who had been sent down from the North. "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here sofa. This way, please!" for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute the running down." photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did upon an income of about 60 pounds." to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "No." another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 fait accompli?" crackling voice.