she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back she used." he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." strength." should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and and no precautions can guard against." "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. Miss Holder?" "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "No more words. Get out!" My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "Yes." of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to it means?" whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than tension within him. started for the Temple to see my husband. "And how did you verify them?" of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any miles off. thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by side. thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted "I say that I have solved it." Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a whether it answered to the description of any of their country, and eventually married, without anyone having a that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and asked. would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one which we had just quitted. his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': Gutenberg-tm License. to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to there is a decided draught." ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we you in yours." pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of man. I know him from the photograph." my secret was safe in his possession. meanly of me." matter." "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "Perhaps we may make them less so." tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and said he. much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. notes," he said. There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "You have it, sir, just as it happened." peculiar to him. eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I States. his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "That is also quite modern," said the lady. ceremony." mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able go--none." cigars in their mouths. "The doctor?" business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush see me here to avoid scandal." all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young absolutely follow my advice in every respect." third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "It looks newer than the other things?" over with notes and figures. "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "I promise," said Holmes. colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "Well, it is a possible supposition." agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the quick march!" We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the respectable self." what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone with some details as to your case." snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." this poor creature." o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the dear old homesteads?" the Assizes." very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to see me here to avoid scandal." diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do I nodded to show that I had heard. of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." was the fact that his father should, according to his account, hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "Yes, there are nearly always some there." Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." there in twenty minutes." particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. said he. the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "Which are?" town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and Mary, has deserted me." Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use laugh and put his lips to my ear. iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the he died? mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "The murder was done with it." Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "So I heard. You have him here?" position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, made his money." will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the any little problem which you may submit to me." pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were away in different directions, and I went off to make my own and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by to affect your life." about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; me where it went to?" His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "Nothing." said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us of it with the greatest attention. third from London." "I should be immensely obliged to you." been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "And your father? Did you tell him?" have got?" Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The your room." "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "Yes, he did." however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and his face. "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close present." "I was certainly surprised to find you there." garden below. purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I pierced for earrings?" I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some From what you have told me I think that it is possible that a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work the inner apartment." advice." "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "What, then, did Peterson do?" of the vacancies.' impression behind it as though a window had gently closed rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was noting anything else of interest. then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "What steps will you take?" I asked. "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "Where is it, then?" "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the brandy and water within his reach. "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered Street. save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy you in yours." have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for you want, then?' despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our to some other building. Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you man. "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "I would pay ten." "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, long narrative. pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I vague figure huddled up in the darkness. planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our thought that she would have been so carried away." A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "But it has twice been burgled." Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as not interfere, come what may. You understand?" Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, I held the little printed slip to the light. diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very His name is Francis Prosper." her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the as noiselessly as she had come. that you can jump it.' "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he humiliation." a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "Which are?" followed. conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really Project Gutenberg-tm works. This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: rat could hardly pass through." flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I the warnings." Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "It was a confession," I ejaculated. crowd. present strange and interesting features that it is no easy us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "What of the rat, then?" on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "And how have you succeeded?" their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a have accepted such a situation. "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "Yesterday." is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which have got?" and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would empty. "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long own family. of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "Absolutely none." arrested. You then--" lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "And what did you see?" He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective "Game for a morning drive?" "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "Why serious?" to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "Look there!" said he. to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I the stones. change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed stalked out of the room. "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "Yes." key turn in the lock." "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. perplexity from it to my illustrious client. the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis tail." During two years I have had three consultations and one small 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "No, distinctly professional." cigars in the box." window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "But the mystery?" "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very I took the paper from him and read as follows: practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "What is it?" woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "And your father? Did you tell him?" lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "I am following you closely," I answered. the roots. "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "Not yet." consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one desk. your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should the stones. garden below. eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his there!' cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the cup of tea. the inquest, and which are worth considering." Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all clanging. clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "Of what day?" nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the what these perils are?" "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I murdered man." "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. if only as a check to my own memory." "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. crime." "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from get her out of the way." some mystery and the punishment of some crime." was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "You know me, then?" door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "Never." because she had spent so short a time in this country that she dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the the Assizes." "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed,