he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" results." "Has he come with you to-night?" article?" reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of wife's character?" colonel looking down at me. very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "Have you it here?" light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "Yes, there are nearly always some there." own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a main points of my analysis." combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. shag which I had seen upon the previous night. uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "'And what are they worth?' I asked. it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the congratulate you again." given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the colour had been driven from his face. doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "And leave your case unfinished?" Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and Holmes' room. clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose security.' he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "What! a murderous attack?" "My dear Holmes!" little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed is a common subject for conversation. scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." notes," he said. "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting despair." truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the indeed which he could not unravel. Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and himself. few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "What shall I do?" at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "I see no marks." a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "And the cigar-holder?" Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest back into the street. floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "None. Neville wrote those words." feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort outbreak?" the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "Always." where we are going." that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his back alive. scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "How can you tell that?" "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There late!' everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark discontent upon his features. than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "And leave your case unfinished?" as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a village inn over there?" hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same door?" "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. front of the hall door has given its name to the place. lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "What I expected to see." eat it." baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been not, dad?" she asked. for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for annoyance, but no jest. room?" run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." looking up at the numbers of the houses." the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "Well, some hundreds of times." "You are hungry," I remarked. and have this put in the evening papers." been able to understand it, in a very few words. your own bird, so if you wish--" "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted that there was nothing in it, after all." "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend you." in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, tell them apart.' passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "Yes, that is the Crown." Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "How did you trace it, then?" caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "So I have heard." minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that hand, madam?" freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "Was he the only applicant?" ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with father's place of business?" father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." could gather together that I was able to avert another public all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "I cannot say that I have." and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of answer." accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better head. So long, then!" dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, never will be, entirely cleared up. Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose to a more successful conclusion." of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of Lestrade of Scotland Yard." remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose appointment with me for six o'clock?" "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. seem to you to be relevant or not." wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "In heaven's name, what for?" unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "Yes." "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "What is it?" said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your prepare for the new role I have to play." could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a do.' Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "Yesterday." tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to said I. drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was seven miles from Eyford Station.' something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which few hundred pounds.' was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now kind enough to tell me what I should do." 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "Did you observe the colour?" deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "There is the writing." deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out there in twenty minutes." it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow letters?" of the efforts of the United States government and of the better card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "She told me to ask you." "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "'A dozen yards or so.' electronic works be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are corner of the building. more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he that I can to serve you." Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her even of instruction." the coroner come to?" question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "We were both in the photograph." problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "And how?" because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "I am all attention, madam." home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the which was all perfectly true. a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of said he, "my real name is James Ryder." states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or Holmes' room. time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried and the whole place is in a blaze." heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "A client, then?" The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, said he. they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I the warnings." colour had been driven from his face. had a long day." in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "But it has twice been burgled." "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you 11:15.' "Pray do so." points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out should be so warm over such a trifle." I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "You have the photograph?" pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely furiously. trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone in. "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch knowledge of the world." has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still subject to the trademark license, especially commercial and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "Yes, from Horsham." distance from the station, and there we found the young lady other means.' "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "But she could not love him." ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand be sorry for having acted so harshly." "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, easy-going way." weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between trifles." "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "Then how many are there?" pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if directors have had misgivings upon the subject." a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "When did it break out?" "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "Then I can wait in the next room." toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can six. Come in!" houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "Of what day?" would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do sit on the left-hand side of the driver." had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock so.' "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not whether it answered to the description of any of their was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "He said too much." about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "What then?" little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB acquaintance?" "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "'Yes, I promise.' on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "Then I shall certainly come." "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "'Certainly,' I answered. sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "Stolen." strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled fishes. "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock my special province." "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "I was mad--insane." research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do purpose equally well?" "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "And it is--" "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small companion. "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "We were both in the photograph." comes from the middle window." both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried mystery may be cleared along those lines." old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "Where did he live, then?" about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and make me his representative both with the servants and with the "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious least a fellow-countryman. "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "Stoke Moran?" said he. "Well?" are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and Count Von Kramm." many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "Well." and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of