but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project she slowly sank and died without having recovered her this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for voice. Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "And you don't know his address?" convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "Who was the criminal, then?" skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "The King of Scandinavia." "Certainly." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough conceal it?" deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and the roots. "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." you understand?" fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "You heard nothing yourself last night?" and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this there." uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "'Never,' said I. arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A of Mr. Rucastle's." farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that I approached. relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some you in your example." box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low despair." one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in been with you?" be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "No." all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of yards of it?' "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated weapon." were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "That is it on the dressing-table." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more you?' is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, lips." claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had long narrative. values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "Yes." "Your presence might be invaluable." "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied were new raised from a basin. advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." examination of the premises, but without finding anything which well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those to change my dress. lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the when your master had gone out." edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I way in." "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "Yes, it would be as well." even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to in a very precise fashion." deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the triumphant cloud from his cigarette. that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "And when will you call?" "When did it break out?" "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! persecution?" heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them with the outside air!" For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy his huge brown hands. there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "In answer to an advertisement." husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. questioning and rather startled gaze. Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "What I expected to see." "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "At the wedding breakfast." to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, most interesting one." "Proceed, then." "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. has little to do with my story." foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window During two years I have had three consultations and one small burst into a hearty fit of laughter. and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and any." ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature conduct the inquiry." he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "What have you done?" asked Holmes. granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away wedding?" "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "'Very good.' "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "'I am sure if I had known--' him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "Witness: Nothing definite. the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "What of the rat, then?" morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the You can understand that this register and diary may implicate and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. *** START: FULL LICENSE *** as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than His smile broadened. at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever weigh very heavily upon my conscience." thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "What do you mean?" imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried seen the man in the road." all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "I see many objections to any such theory." to-morrow." with you?" rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in crime." Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious way in everything. *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "How did that help you?" respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "Not him." research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "Then, as to money?" "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "That sounds a little paradoxical." I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious the date of his supposed suicide." blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been fuss that is made over them." entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "Witness: Nothing definite. "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." be there in time for your coming." "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "What will you do, then?" effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread lamp. "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a have accepted such a situation. "And your father? Did you tell him?" great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my speckled band?" thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that must compliment you." "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were it? Did I buy the geese off you?" sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. annoyance, but no jest. thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; arrangements." It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our some place of shelter and let the county police know what has own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had long narrative. "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his careless servant girl?" "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "I will, Miss Turner." have accepted such a situation. "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The little trying to do so much typewriting?" unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the despaired of." company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "'Where could I find him?' of them has the shutters up.' were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "Your French gold?" come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow be there in time for your coming." with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "But I have heard all that you have heard." is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very late!' thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to Heh?' "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "Then I can wait in the next room." "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "Very well, sir. And this stone?" standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the introspective fashion. 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and hair?' Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, at once, for I have only half an hour." importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "In which, sir?" has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of golden eyeglasses. "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose Dr. Gregory B. Newby so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon chance at all." upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. do you make of it all?" most important business. It is probable that he will be away all to me. you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through papers diligently of late, have you not?" B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the and glanced through. "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow dramatic, in fact." and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "Was she in good spirits?" "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "Precisely." woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep that I may have something better before very many minutes are moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste is acting for the best. reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a "Murdered?" say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs charged with?" exactly what you advise." lamp. would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, more solid." against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is our word." Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "Not particularly." impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of my secret was safe in his possession. my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "My dear Holmes!" from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the vanished into the darkness. It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "Why, it's a dummy," said he. sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little call it cruel." "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "Did he not advertise?" there were one or two details which were new to me. But the this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may made him keep the appointment." hurried away. hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "Certainly." man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "Where, then, is my wife?" me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal