Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "And how have you succeeded?" town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small tightly behind him. Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled charge against him will break down." He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "Yes. He waved his hands." recover the gem." brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door highroad, where all traces were lost. "And when will you call?" test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "And for present expenses?" preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a way in everything. branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police death." inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his to Leatherhead. "In San Francisco, a year ago." dates and names. pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." coroner's jury." but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his read over the extraordinary announcement. peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "You have compromised yourself seriously." the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he was it brought him the coronet? our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "One?" grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the to talk it over. shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "Where did you address your letters, then?" indeed which he could not unravel. other means.' "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project to tell." Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I completely overtopped every other consideration that we both these bleak autumnal evenings." the coronet in his hands?" the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking upon an income of about 60 pounds." reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this Holmes' room. separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of clang of the bell. go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was strength in the others." were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was is now desirous of getting those letters back." "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of the so-precious time, but come!' the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it character. "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were and no precautions can guard against." to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but attention." look dissatisfied." "I would pay ten." done what I asked you, Jones?" the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." written. Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. disturbance in my wife." then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "Was she in good spirits?" threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "And from a noble client?" young Openshaw's." entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. laugh and put his lips to my ear. "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one infinite languor in his face. beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my the devil!" right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "But how?" everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. late!' "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his colour had been driven from his face. "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and chance." "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The outsides of the windows. Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." points to suicide?" "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the house for five minutes.' entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "Not in the least." the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "'Entirely.' "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "And I say east," said my patient. "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper take the flies, but not before." "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day fear." he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his weary and pale-looking. left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small should be so warm over such a trifle." "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that congenial hunt. wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "But he might be a bachelor." "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version place of silver." The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the colonel looking down at me. He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "'And the work?' "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "And how have you succeeded?" pressing in one house as in another. a monotonous occupation." near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that good-night and bustled off upon her way. The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "A call for help, you thought?" "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must breakfast." so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't detective. "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "That you are never beaten." Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this the coronet at all injured?" asked. showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "'What then?' I asked. difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "Why? What do you mean?" aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" never to learn it at all." cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in my former friend and companion. firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "My dear Holmes!" between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we dramatic, in fact." License. You must require such a user to return or "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "How long did she speak to this Alice?" it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me absorbing." "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "And now?" He raised his hand. "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a conceal it?" With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an chambers. you came in." or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you the side-table." national property. I was determined that the law should have its "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have article?" to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project papers diligently of late, have you not?" would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to as this. Pray let me have the details." another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see constraint." sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my of it with the greatest attention. knowledge of the world." entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "Never to return." Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all are, I think, all that we need." reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be strength." through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "And you thought he was pulled back?" resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If vanished into the darkness. lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "I saw her in conversation with her maid." believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am be there in time for your coming." "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way other means.' had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "How often?" to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "Then what has happened to him?" was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son whether it answered to the description of any of their shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," way in." McCarthy." He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was had formerly been in part my own. little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "I should wish to." INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark enter Dr. Roylott's room." look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual child?' Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found him to go away.' with you?" compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "So it appears." retorted upon me, and I on you." across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." business in the City. She little knew what. imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our voice. are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "What do you mean?" attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I felt?" The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons been with you?" sooner or later she must fall a victim. and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window fasten all the windows?" "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "That is easily got." The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast papers on the sundial.'" fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. in the port of London." "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, brought there to personate someone, and the real person is forehead. breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before imbecility!" he cried. TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "How about poison?" when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "Where to?" "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was events, Mr. Windibank!" that before taking the final step I should like to submit the is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her clang of the bell. grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and drawing your inferences." the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "He is dead," cried several voices. seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or row." idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over his wife has ceased to love him." "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." problems help me to do so." Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "Then, as to money?" weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we the nursery. and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have