passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated way in everything. purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm confronted him. "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "Yes, I have one waiting." Mary, has deserted me." "I am all attention, madam." repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong think, you have already met." akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in sound at heart." and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon beg that you will break it off." I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, served to weaken the effect. whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "Which are?" "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not about. which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "You will not go there first?" yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address I nodded to show that I had heard. Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for wedding?" on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, second window is the one that I jumped from." "Perhaps I have." Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite to that open window." younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our once more for Briony Lodge. chill to my heart. and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which awkward doing business with an alias." accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with the house with me." could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room tapping his fingers upon the table. A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "A confidential servant?" America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "No bad?" Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "He might." grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black bird of prey. and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs from the brougham. statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of prisoner's face. lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "'Yes, it was gone.' "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if on re-entering her father's house?" and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by way: were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "I know where it is." to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord redistribution. the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "'Yes, sir.' would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' bearing upon the case." story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a shall not find me ungrateful." chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "When did it break out?" to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, there in twenty minutes." "None." derbies." "So it appears." as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which I shall communicate with you." head. So long, then!" heavily into it. colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to salesman. so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were key of the affair now." Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and your bag." introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in Sutherland. "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its him, that man would not have given me such complete information "Bought." that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "That is unusual in a young girl." mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that spark where all is dark to me." kindly on the shoulder. provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will with some details as to your case." some mystery and the punishment of some crime." playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "It was an hour's good drive." "Who by?" dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let you give your casting vote to?" "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did over with notes and figures. built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this Arthur Conan Doyle and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "My opinion is in no way altered." breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue do." and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "'Yes.' sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of upon the sideboard." as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "Yesterday." web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." delirious. but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was is so. I know all about McCarthy." closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the not use it unless it is absolutely needed." the tragedy. "'I am sure that I do not know.' vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn I nodded to show that I had heard. open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. chemical work which was so dear to him. My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the and laid it on the table. Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your about. before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a lumber-room." by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he DISSOLVED. "My private note-paper." and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "How did he come?" with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "Where is it, then?" "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' child?' twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "9th. McCauley cleared. occurred." or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the overpowering excitement and concern. over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "And on what day did he meet his death?" Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of memory. very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This the driver. central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll and the colonel ushered me in. the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a strength." Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able The summons was a brief and urgent one. ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "Ha! you find it so?" uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "Dirty?" my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "It is possible." that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we is four-and-twenty." attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, arrangements." Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently dates and names. strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle any more." he. The telegram which we eventually received came late one night which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "By train from Waterloo." "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "What! a murderous attack?" facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute the devil!" Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried pierced for earrings?" "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. carpenter." Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of as noiselessly as she had come. "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our The police have openly confessed that they can at present make liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "And you don't know his address?" been deceived." good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight his eyes and forehead. points to suicide?" he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain the coroner come to?" and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first at home. have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. call it cruel." contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "If I can be of use." "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social father's young wife. parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. him!" my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not of the way of danger. beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander fluttered off among the others. you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "I will do it." least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "Did you become engaged then?" 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "Was he the only applicant?" "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should bedroom door." "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "It's nothing of the kind." showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "That was it, sir." "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, go--none." twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "No. What a strange idea!" business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "Do you go out much in society?" with frightened eyes at his accuser. Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." opportunities to fix the problem. wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' coat-tails." fasten all the windows?" machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "Then you may be so with me." "'I have already given you my word.' "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs said I. it. for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." of campaign. she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any question," said Holmes, smiling. paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "I was mad--insane." piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband