the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "I cannot as yet see any connection." turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I their singular warning or token before them when starting upon covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from point our research must commence, and we will begin it by We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and about here speaks of his kindness to him." Project Gutenberg-tm works. gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I me." "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella arrested. You then--" and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. your billet.' He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "But I am all in the dark." Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, over here." rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "The Cedars?" journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by a room. "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds asked with his eyes open. impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My I shall communicate with you." of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "Thank you. And your address?" off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "Won't it ring?" house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms for its centre. "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "This concluded the examination of the witness." stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "You have carte blanche." "My Mary? Impossible!" learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the what do you think they found in the pockets?" "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "'Yes, it was gone.' I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' written, and locked the door of the office after me. still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that danger is over." "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "I have a cab outside." from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was you." business in the City. She little knew what. wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without may never be exposed to such a temptation." successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "What will you say?" were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "But you were on a friendly footing?" "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "I cannot as yet see any connection." "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' late." without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "Won't it ring?" putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism not fit the lock." refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very cost them two and thirty pounds." and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite one of the states of the Union." broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside anything to do with the matter?" stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "Where did you address your letters, then?" laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on be best to do. "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely visitors." overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "He said that you could solve anything." "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up brain must have something in it." and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he crackling voice. "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" photograph?" the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social brain must have something in it." "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened side. is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, point our research must commence, and we will begin it by great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "Now, then, what's the last entry?" was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in fish-monger and a tide-waiter." Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "When did she vanish, then?" the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "I cannot imagine." the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the a suggestive one." "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary and capable of preserving a secret.' "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "That's no good." daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret Leadenhall Street--and--" sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to bird I ate is country bred." headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "It is half-past ten now." misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "So I have heard." dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "The vanishing of the lady." "But I have heard all that you have heard." "No, I had a dozen." of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely and glanced through. future lives." "Did your wife hear all this?" I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son you?' that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that his eyes and forehead. the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The have been better. It is all right." peculiar to him. "No, finished." I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "It is solved." pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had families. Now for the facts. "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "Then the page we have seen--" "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here brandy and water within his reach. latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the is now desirous of getting those letters back." What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are fatally injured? see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down again before evening." never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper door?" find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "'Why that?' I asks. "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a not personally threatened." "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the good-night and bustled off upon her way. Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have something of him before." social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune your troubles." believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "Yes, I have one waiting." connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive despaired of." Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "Was he the only applicant?" It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for best detective that ever lived. always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" and effective." "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "Precisely." in a very precise fashion." "But how?" which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "About a month then." edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you comes from the middle window." adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. the running down." "I should wish to." and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united and the whole place is in a blaze." "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "'What are you doing there?' he asked. the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "10th. John Swain cleared. which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." went to the Alpha were town bred." article?" remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "I say that I have solved it." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, Pope's Court. "Holmes, the busybody!" glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a furiously. against a man in the prime of life?" similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle tell him that I know him to be innocent." "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking power." what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his them?" himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "I have seen the police." "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other you." outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting and effective." can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "It is possible." "No, I think that I'll take it." "Won't it ring?" "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "I will, Miss Turner." "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a a little more before I quite committed myself. air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have guilty parties." would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. will find little credit to be gained out of this case." suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "Breckinridge is his name." description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "How long did she speak to this Alice?" a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in enter into my head. fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to something of him before." closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "Yes, sir." IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which bled considerably." VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I this man was intellectual?" the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a Munro.' She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project works. See paragraph 1.E below. cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying brandy and water within his reach. as he remarks, very much against the son." knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "Of what?" highly," said Holmes. seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers Pope's Court. looking up at the numbers of the houses." single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out