us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what asked. "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "What! You do not mean bodies?" "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "How many? I don't know." Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "I cannot imagine." my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "Certainly." "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I existence." wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with place of silver." ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." evidence," I remarked. Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with remarked. McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "I was certainly surprised to find you there." rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "Dirty?" and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A the iron safe, which he closed upon it. are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw already referred to. other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must best detective that ever lived. know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own to go into your room and bar your shutters?" submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is business matters.' I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and she used." "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to and the colonel ushered me in. few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered it with his own hands." hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "'There is a drive, then?' other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "When did it break out?" http://www.gutenberg.net know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul do you make of it all?" was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "Certainly." and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "ARAT," I read. "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its where we are going." serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "Do you go out much in society?" stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through girl said." delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their know what is wrong with it.' got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" strength in the others." Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly paper in the air. "But you would not advise me to refuse?" this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned ashen face. "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought fait accompli?" paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "And how in the world did you find them?" Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you his face. heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing crackling voice. "Then you may entirely rely on me." friend's singular character. "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg His name is Francis Prosper." fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." characteristics, but those are the more obvious." be.' "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" three fields round his house, and there he would take his putting in the horse. there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. them, and came down just as you departed. "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may already referred to. the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "To an English lawyer named Norton." rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "You think so, too?" test if we have an answer to our advertisement." chill to my heart. yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall been deceived." "Why serious?" after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "What is it, then--a fire?" he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know James Windibank. Voilà tout!" has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "One?" "Very well, sir. And this stone?" murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, would then never go into court at all." headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open question," said Holmes, smiling. "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I reach." learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "'You doubt its value?' he asked. the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he is worth.' "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "Yes." fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "'Ample.' "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case have accepted such a situation. answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." coroner's jury." suddenly upon us." like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as character. "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "It is possible." "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "That sounds a little paradoxical." was feeling which was the fattest.' air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "'Yes, sir.' "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. DAMAGE. "How about poison?" volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and to tell." flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "A client, then?" dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge had died away into the silence from which it rose. brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend standing smiling on the door-step. playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with some water from a caraffe. Pope's Court, Fleet Street." was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "Indeed! Whose, then?" "But what is it you wish?" certainly do as you advise." "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "I am all attention, madam." Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was hurried by. the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "No legal papers or certificates?" "What, then?" called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his figure." floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of opened a pocket-book and took out a note. I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "Has he come with you to-night?" some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises as he remarks, very much against the son." "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "It was a confession," I ejaculated. was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind said he. dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain ways of our fellow-men." "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "'There is a drive, then?' "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly in his hands." "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the burst out into a roar of laughter. "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my third from London." like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and in. takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the before, for it was considerably after midnight. hands. member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is be best to do. but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the II. "And the murderer?" of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I late!' imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "'I am sure if I had known--' instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of people don't know." and a shock of very red hair. Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced best detective that ever lived. - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I of the efforts of the United States government and of the better Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "At half-wages, in fact." "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl than to us. "'There is a drive, then?' charge against him will break down." suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "I cannot as yet see any connection." long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I your bag." hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is introspective fashion. and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that Street. that you can jump it.' "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." absolutely follow my advice in every respect." pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in gigantic client. betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." over part of the map. "What do you read?" cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her know all about it," he snarled. a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "She will not sell." received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close was already answered. and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, security.' "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been of Fenchurch Street." It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled as yours." ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "And it is--" hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, into the bag, and made for the door. inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' nothing with him." them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at characteristics, but those are the more obvious." head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "I would pay ten." "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his that, and I came down." lips." envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a British peeress.'" transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, one or two very singular points about this room. For example, believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "This photograph!" LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "But his left-handedness." chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of carpenter." confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "'I have already given you my word.' over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been business came to an end." instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. closely." observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. held up the lantern and gazed about him. concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If