was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir secret." spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "Not social, then?" had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by think that he is innocent?" upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was carriage. It was a chestnut." me." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then crackling voice. to some other building. out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "We must have a cab." the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "'Which dealer's?' "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "No, but the enclosure is." unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy notes," he said. police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen salesman. he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "Yes." "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "That is it on the dressing-table." "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other one of the states of the Union." "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny III. better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "It was." deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "But how will you look?" locked." enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the shadow pass over his face as I spoke. 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. upon the shelf for the interim." than to us. ran thus: donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "Then I do not see the point." little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "Yes, at the mines." "The decline of his fortunes, then?" helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination house for five minutes.' A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. been." and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should with you alone." his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this made his money." "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" answered with a sidelong glance. like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy allusion to a rat. be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, strong and stiff." of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "And how did you find out?" gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "Is he quiet?" here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever searched, without anything being found which could incriminate himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard pressing in one house as in another. a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of true." everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What quite distinctive." passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "I should wish to." and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you stalked out of the room. walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "'Most admirably.' all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I plantation.' in the port of London." "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent goes." several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in foot. follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. the very morning of the wedding." places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very mysterious end." to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." points to suicide?" chill to my heart. "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. papers diligently of late, have you not?" "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the you." follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "And the cigar-holder?" time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker and the colonel ushered me in. fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, and shall probably return to London by the evening train." as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were at my own good fortune. servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. was feeling which was the fattest.' "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "It is half-past ten now." "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "'In my own bureau.' prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "Why did you beat the pavement?" however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to to affect your life." building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some are, I think, all that we need." lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "He might." charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in do you make of it all?" said he, "my real name is James Ryder." on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "What then?" glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." some mystery and the punishment of some crime." quickly through a disagreeable task. "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "Certainly, madam." "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can straightened it out again. confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently help us in this matter." Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this any more." wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every intimate personal affairs in this public manner." the side-table." me." it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. anything to a woman, for she would have her way." elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "What will you do, then?" adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. lips." I approached. no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you secret." the very letters. But what is this written above them?' liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "So I heard. You have him here?" sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was the inner apartment." believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "You know me, then?" explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. very morning of my second wedding." "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "You forget that I know nothing about it." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "The landlord of the Alpha." myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "I say it is." Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and made him keep the appointment." takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "Perhaps I have." meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "I will try. What is it?" village inn over there?" I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "Yes, only one." back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror to have been novel and of interest." waste of energy." doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "I see many objections to any such theory." of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have notes," he said. Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "So I heard. You have him here?" "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite hand, madam?" "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such our word." with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "What! Had he lost his wife?" cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from occurred." value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' trying to your nerves." there is a decided draught." the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which experiences." William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom best detective that ever lived. work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable stalked out of the room. the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "'What would be the hours?' I asked. souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind me have 200 pounds?' "'What do you call purely nominal?' to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "'Yes, sir.' at once, for I have only half an hour." in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen in the hope of finding them." hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet waste of energy." in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "On your arm?" "I cannot imagine." "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have made him keep the appointment." think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not be there in time for your coming." first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive me upon any point which I do not make clear." upon an income of about 60 pounds." Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed the coronet at all injured?" "To an end?" stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. laugh and put his lips to my ear. beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his even of instruction." and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "Yes, sir." upon a handsome competence. the morning and make my own way in the world.' "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man name is different." of note-paper. It read in this fashion: I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole through." let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which me. "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly upon a handsome competence. very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret have not had my rubber." firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about the armchair which I pushed forward for him. into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss just called myself is not exactly my own."