trifles." she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the himself to tell his story. that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a success. hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking hurried away. "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "No bad?" and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "May I see it?" said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "Not in the least." plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "Absolutely?" or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "Your sister is dead, then?" travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have what these perils are?" and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some to some other building. Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with populous neighbourhood." civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, once more for Briony Lodge. the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect see a sister of mine apply for." "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down was a lad." see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and my former friend and companion. man. public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a strode off upon his way. banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of before the coroner and the police-court." "And you can do nothing until then?" black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land will take you up to see the machine.' It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "No, distinctly professional." "But how did you gain them?" base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several lumber-room." explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "It goes to the housekeeper's room." filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole miles off. paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' James Windibank. Voilà tout!" and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold populous neighbourhood." which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the me where it went to?" but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "'Yes.' little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in next day. always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by head. So long, then!" red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "It is possible." leave you to your papers for a little." the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "Why serious?" education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch tied." "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as you in your example." There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and undoubtedly my uncle's." views." more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for tied." suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion not fit the lock." the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "Nothing?" always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings means taking possession of that which another person has a prior weighed down with some great anxiety. "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "No, my brougham is waiting." "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out he died? as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain been shamefully used." green of the new foliage. "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "Did you become engaged then?" him to go away.' poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' it right.' furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "Your sister is dead, then?" said Mr. Holder. him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable giving me time to thank him. "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into DAMAGE. outside." I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage behind me. and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed crime." possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I house for five minutes.' "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they "It missed him, then?" help us in this matter." fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause true." "She told me to ask you." I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not most interesting one." that I am arrested." has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for key of the affair now." stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "No, thank goodness, she did not." it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "I am still in the dark." vault. five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled voice, changing her seat as requested. "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not any." she might be summoned. without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big rooms." the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our information in his hands the value of which he did not himself He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his I have it here in my museum." quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "How did you deduce the select?" just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, shadow pass over his face as I spoke. faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some the station." screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the the loss of it. every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough horse could go." whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "When did she vanish, then?" signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "Nothing." once more. to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary arrested. You then--" say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's house for five minutes.' deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his furiously. address. hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was of them has the shutters up.' crackling voice. this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, article?" Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "It is possible." "I cannot imagine." more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "Here?" the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "About a month then." would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us even of instruction." little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "I say that I have solved it." even of instruction." on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my whatever might befall. from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "That's no good." His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "No more words. Get out!" two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing golden eyeglasses. "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a was not a bird to be seen there. his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. other lovers by making love himself." ways of our fellow-men." on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "Certainly." parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" What do you deduce from it?" Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were taking in every detail of the apartment. going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the him nearly every evening." Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here look upon these things in a different way." him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may evidence," I remarked. coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed a little more before I quite committed myself. father's young wife. The police have openly confessed that they can at present make sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "But how?" Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled purpose equally well?" "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "'As governess?' it." "Where did you address your letters, then?" page at http://pglaf.org work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "I will not look." "When did she vanish, then?" of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush know what is wrong with it.' "Imitated." was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "Your French gold?" this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of strange features which were associated with the two crimes which he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "Precisely." By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the the devil!" impression behind it as though a window had gently closed the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "What is it, then--a fire?" wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "And did you observe any change in her then?" I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the bore every mark of being an average commonplace British bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given cost them two and thirty pounds." diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! come either from the window or the door. My attention was morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "It looks newer than the other things?" pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "Yes, sir." "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a tell me that you intended to go into harness." the inner apartment." and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "But his lameness?" compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has have been better. It is all right." the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "The gentleman I describe." until night should bring an explanation. it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg instincts rose up against that laugh. his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "But your client--" occupations.' girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his the coronet in his hands?" inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "Ah!" "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "What can you not understand?" WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet emerged. left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have upon an income of about 60 pounds." you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a secret." grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "Perhaps we may make them less so." "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his impression behind it as though a window had gently closed front of the hall door has given its name to the place. once more for Briony Lodge. the general public were present, then?" the Assizes." One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by before, for it was considerably after midnight. me have 200 pounds?' "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to him!" completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after interests were the same as his." in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was