afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to to arrive at through this?" stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was outsides of the windows. "My opinion is in no way altered." and glanced through. unprofitable." the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "I assure you that I am in your hands." "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations writer." "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "Can I be of assistance?" to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "And Miss Sutherland?" revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, unkempt, staring out at me. horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By ago." cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. of your young ladies.' very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my bird of prey. chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to closing the door. in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious the very morning of the wedding." than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought just called myself is not exactly my own." leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry she might be summoned. done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "You forget that I know nothing about it." running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "Why did you pick him?" until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we 1.E.9. "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a the house with me." pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering would then never go into court at all." being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very lumber-room." side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off quite distinctive." me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "It is a murder, then?" "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from giving me time to thank him. "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open chill to my heart. "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not events than those which have happened in my own family." exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "When did it break out?" the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who depend upon your compliance." so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made bed dies. Does not that strike you?" imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "How did he come?" was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of cheerful." I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. only touch the interest." saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 weigh very heavily upon my conscience." to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "What is it?" acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "Where is it, then?" before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "None." Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to to take care of herself." Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at footfalls from the street. "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup call for protection in the marriage market, for the present jewels which you have stolen?' XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have trying to your nerves." photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the eavesdroppers?' too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the entirely devoid of interest." soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping morning." deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which lips." "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's mystery!" are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to careless servant girl?" "I should be immensely obliged to you." down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang been able to understand it, in a very few words. on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it you?" elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "'In my own bureau.' believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "None." work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any business?" than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better unclasping of his long thin hands. the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to question. "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with memory. struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' to you." hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by tightly behind him. to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the fire. You quite follow me?" journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the Foundation Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty room had already been engaged for us. "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a you." Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when ill-usage at the hands of fortune. which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "Ha! you find it so?" pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." straighten it?" usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid during which he might have communicated with his friend the end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to all-comprehensive glances. and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE photograph?" fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum here." adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "Then, how do you know?" ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "It is true that I have been generally successful." you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the window when the police appeared." bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "It was." Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." yourselves in at night?" American. Then who could this American be, and why should he Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the arrangements." graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "I say it is." the inner apartment." "None." recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still certainly not very gracious." days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. trifles." savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." troubles have been weighing upon his mind. exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "Pray let us have it, for all that." "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet new acquaintance to Baker Street. gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight long narrative. good for you to do.' Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now reach." then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "It goes to the housekeeper's room." half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so o'clock is it?" the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running man. upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger friend's singular character. bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? went to the Alpha were town bred." all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two made him keep the appointment." woman." repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is here." woven round him. continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached foot. nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "Did he not advertise?" me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as noting anything else of interest. met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' this Miss Turner." voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, definite end. matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a certainly do as you advise." without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "But he might be a bachelor." seven miles from Eyford Station.' him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is will be renamed. Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger weighed down with some great anxiety. "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "Holmes, the busybody!" but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my congenial hunt. the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And have established a very serious case against the son of the he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a Again Holmes raved in the air. as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend lumber-room." "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP some water from a caraffe. Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "What of the rat, then?" and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was me." ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down Eyford." at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to think that any burglar could have done. keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this of campaign. "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads off." "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of time." as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of ill-usage at the hands of fortune. would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at that you can jump it.' the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are