Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "But how?" stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "Have you it here?" my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are hour." Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of trying to your nerves." "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "None." full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "What have you to say now?" "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "But how?" I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "What have you to say now?" rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was me have 200 pounds?' was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting other lovers by making love himself." eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and upon the white wrist. that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "I cannot say that I have." pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. James Windibank. Voilà tout!" you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very it right.' receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "'I am sure if I had known--' constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and arrested. You then--" I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that was a perfect sample of the class. her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice disappearance of these gems?" third from London." simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "I see many objections to any such theory." elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "What of the rat, then?" This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" secret." bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the IS predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned digesting their breakfasts at home." her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "Where, indeed?" in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly and it need not interfere very much with one's other "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and once more to my work. making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if than was visible to me." had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "'No, I know no one in these parts.' that you saw all that I did." of it with the greatest attention. of your young ladies.' indeed which he could not unravel. anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "I think it very unlikely." something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, danger is over." ways including including checks, online payments and credit card machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an bedroom door." "Well, some hundreds of times." "Was there a secret marriage?" "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "And Irene Adler?" pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after purpose of examination. "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "Nothing?" and glanced through. at a side door. metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" suspect him." of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "You have it, sir, just as it happened." pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the 'I should be able to look after that for you.' suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which is acting for the best. been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that were new raised from a basin. empty. "By no means." Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and very morning of my second wedding." beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "Never." words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle him!" the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "Not social, then?" flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "No sign of it?" were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it key of the affair now." insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a and prosperity to your house. Good-night." same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "The murder was done with it." room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope leaning back in his chair. pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "Was your sister dressed?" Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "'Never,' said I. presented more singular features than that which was associated McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "By no means." "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until But Holmes shook his head gravely. the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "And how in the world did you find them?" used to be." to his chemical studies. 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers dear old homesteads?" official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have bill, which interests me deeply." Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, the dangers which encompass me." drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "My private note-paper." attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At hardly wander." is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There delighted to hear it," he said. "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the Farm upon the left." carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, it with his own hands." Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called returned to France?" "But to whom?" over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "And I say east," said my patient. him nearly every evening." Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, written. of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself him nearly every evening." "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" narrative." situation." the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three Leave Paddington by the 11:15." have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the London for the present?" present." from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "She told me to ask you." "Thank you. And your address?" right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. fait accompli?" about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "'I shall certainly be there.' all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in indeed which he could not unravel. think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "Then, as to money?" he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "A confidential servant?" outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "At half-wages, in fact." little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. "If so, much may have happened between." suspect him." key of the affair now." cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "How about poison?" official police." "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off correct than the official force." four million human beings all jostling each other within the postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that and glanced through. put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is the very morning of the wedding." commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy will take you up to see the machine.' may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "'Yes.' blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. later, upon the night of May 2nd." the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "Nothing?" constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home morning." "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the outbreak?" girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of may have an influence upon European history." workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "Can I be of assistance?" "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "There are none." their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could secret." all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could skylight. "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of detained." money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "Is he quiet?" "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then This is what he says: clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. it means?" "No, distinctly professional." from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "Come in!" said Holmes. see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "'Ten to two.' and effective." breakfast and whispered something to her husband. society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from ago." stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by the stable lane now." branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would have had none more fantastic than this." sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "I do." half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "It is solved." rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that past. "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "Breckinridge is his name." if I call to-morrow?" material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. you." ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his way: "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "'I am sure that I do not know.' more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that wall." There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, weary and pale-looking. "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "And why in hopes?" "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang laugh and put his lips to my ear. "If I can be of use." seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A it. star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "I should like to see him very much." I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "Where, then?" could go. mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." have an American origin." room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE lumber-room." "I don't believe it." Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked she has been waylaid. There has been no result." were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "If so, much may have happened between." I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay dear old homesteads?" "But she will refuse." "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time.