heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring way in everything. on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" again." late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "'Stolen!' he cried. were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few depend upon your compliance." gigantic client. half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "'A dozen yards or so.' chance." struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible infinite languor in his face. What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in strength." were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "Perhaps we may make them less so." shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "Then I can wait in the next room." Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the Sutherland?" had picked up in the wood. Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "How are you getting on?" "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of felt?" from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." already been minutely examined." and all of them with the keenest interest. any." have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it for and were ordered to this address. you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work companion quietly. the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "But what harm can there be in that?" "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and there were so many in the whole country as were brought together something of him before." shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "It is very kind of you." and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide never came back." "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate mystery." out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of and laid it on the table. feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "'Not at all. I only doubt--' come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I miles off. through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek guilty one." though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he purpose of examination. for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "What, then?" received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "I never have." the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I the loss of it. them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers Mrs. Toller serenely. terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked is entirely a question of barometric pressure." Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking fire. You quite follow me?" Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with what do you think they found in the pockets?" directors, with the result that you have seen." Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be of his shoulders. spark where all is dark to me." "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, written. head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. cigar and let me expound." "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "Murdered?" can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the noise which awoke you from your sleep?" Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "Was your sister dressed?" character. morning." it." "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and or in danger--" with you alone." "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover already been minutely examined." be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this recall any case within my experience which looked at the first never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "None." first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have could gather together that I was able to avert another public fish-monger and a tide-waiter." really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "Yes." I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl country, and eventually married, without anyone having a fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the my friend's incisive reasoning. "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "10th. John Swain cleared. doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. system of imprisonment?" "I should wish to." from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always retorted upon me, and I on you." wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage to tell." "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." in the dead of the night?' "Who was the criminal, then?" analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "I have a cab outside." I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of in. bedroom door." in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for rose-bushes. read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "Nothing?" on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to see me here to avoid scandal." Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt now. It seems that there had been some informality about their Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined friends, not even his own brother. went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your he. certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a events, Mr. Windibank!" impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "Come in!" said he. address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for chill to my heart. how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not depend upon your compliance." to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "Will you go?" before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily be sorry for having acted so harshly." "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we the tragedy. brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "'And the work?' "How often?" the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white o'clock is it?" "One of the highest in England." sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business guilty parties." That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a me." "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to call the police, let the police find what they can.' disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a question you as to those details which seem to me to be most said I. more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "Is he quiet?" I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "Texas, I think." "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "None." which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your impression behind it as though a window had gently closed and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "Yes." multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine attention." "Now, then, what's the last entry?" had died away into the silence from which it rose. could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "That is unusual in a young girl." morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "Witness: It was. if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." yards of it?' morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and ways including including checks, online payments and credit card chambers. "Was there a secret marriage?" step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "I will get her to show me." your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to used to be." "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the hurried away. "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "Oh, fresh and glossy." have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. points to suicide?" twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right your Highness to the police-station?" "Yes." "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it a little more before I quite committed myself. very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." awaited us upon the table. instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "My private note-paper." sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his Again Holmes raved in the air. strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by one or two very singular points about this room. For example, severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. his wife has ceased to love him." of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and Does that suggest anything?" Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "Your sister is dead, then?" "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass cause to be." I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "No. What a strange idea!" said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the my room." was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "And I." "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that if I call to-morrow?" Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "Stoke Moran?" said he. his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where chill to my heart. a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "The doctor?" caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him into the room. rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter your bag." destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "BALLARAT." the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. yards of it?' charge against him will break down." See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is it." "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "Her father is very rich?" "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "'You doubt its value?' he asked. pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur there was no need for father to know." anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck meanly of me." confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." mystery may be cleared along those lines." "Was your sister dressed?" owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in lamp. "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "Frequently." been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same