saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, window when the police appeared." round and wave him away like that.' might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat chemical work which was so dear to him. protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "Yes, at the mines." "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most delirious. "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' stood on the top of it. "You are all wrong." 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and hurried by. writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." second." window when the police appeared." seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by and capable of preserving a secret.' "None." submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the key turn in the lock." years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." went to the Alpha were town bred." Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "But to whom?" bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" License. You must require such a user to return or "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "But not more so than I to find you." lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their the general public were present, then?" "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the events, Mr. Windibank!" "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "'And the work?' "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said during that time.' gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door him. outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of him. comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece was not a bird to be seen there. 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." purpose equally well?" Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their copied or distributed: night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about completely overtopped every other consideration that we both and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United know all about it," he snarled. and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the noting anything else of interest. But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced ordinary clothes on?" he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "On Monday." peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached and laid it on the table. charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by your bag." form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold were unconscious?" the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "If so, much may have happened between." to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "I cannot say that I have." trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "'Stolen!' he cried. off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. noting anything else of interest. peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a even so self-evident a thing as that." Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "The doctor?" his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her together. there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. particular state visit http://pglaf.org "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." writers could invent nothing more crude." upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "Why did you pick him?" transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "No." "Will you bet, then?" their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. straightened it out again. day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged with some details as to your case." his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress to have been novel and of interest." There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe recall any case within my experience which looked at the first as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "The gentleman I describe." "'Yes, sir.' from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his 1.F. that before taking the final step I should like to submit the but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "You horrify me." been with you?" was a lad." "Witness: I must still refuse. another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you it." "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "Bought." A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, such attractions and accomplishments?' "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "Not particularly." had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "I cannot say that I have." "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "To an end?" undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am that he has suffered." necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My had no one to advise her at such a crisis." the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer absorbing." seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. awaited us upon the table. "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he nonsense.' and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend vault. chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's look dissatisfied." "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now better in every way that they should make their position a little green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an and glanced through. you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it sofa. This way, please!" 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out enter Dr. Roylott's room." With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had him to go away.' pity, because in other respects you would really have done very was a perfect sample of the class. was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical washing it down with a long draught of water. see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "Where to?" "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever Literary Archive Foundation burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots followed. "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me we went to search for him, face downward in a little remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our impression behind it as though a window had gently closed your equipment. "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should chill to my heart. "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else article?" And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might head. So long, then!" seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events examine." the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would meant it for the best. has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the McCarthy's innocence. darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I entirely devoid of interest." charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed been lifted and conveyed somewhere." black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "My photograph." "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from weigh very heavily upon my conscience." there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the it." Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "'Never,' said I. strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "Pray do so." "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "It came here." shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in Arthur Conan Doyle was a lad." the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my Serpentine Avenue. creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "Won't it ring?" yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. used to be." to arrive at through this?" with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "And how in the world did you find them?" ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "None. Neville wrote those words." Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came was lame." week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many stalked out of the room. good-night and bustled off upon her way. prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "Then, as to money?" usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "So it appears." Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "You have but to name it." workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." to have that photograph." simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of with frightened eyes at his accuser. seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three papers on the sundial.'" "How on earth--" key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been once more. now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' in this note: Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had prison!" The note was undated, and without either signature or address. Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special think that he is innocent?" He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands own family. "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been certainly do as you advise." vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "Certainly, madam." relation between them, and what the object of his repeated good-night and bustled off upon her way. it." "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and strong reason behind." be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in him!" doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or straighten it?" written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "It's nothing of the kind." by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "Well, some hundreds of times." chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer out of this horrible affair." your billet.' at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a