fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from future lives." hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which time." a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. up this clue while it is still hot." I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be never to learn it at all." "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." Street. a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "'Then let me do so?' What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can burst into a hearty fit of laughter. from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, fait accompli?" See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "But I have heard all that you have heard." "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "There are none." "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited overpowering excitement and concern. locked. attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "It is solved." "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door thirty. revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to unkempt, staring out at me. fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate chemical work which was so dear to him. and your relations to her." separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in one of the states of the Union." secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "Only as much as we can deduce." With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when of Fenchurch Street." and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to some mystery and the punishment of some crime." of note-paper. It read in this fashion: Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this nothing of it?" pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a upon a handsome competence. narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' that you saw all that I did." "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "Not in the least." state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" Holmes' room. anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My whether it answered to the description of any of their confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "Your French gold?" glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." ceremony." lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. situation." "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "One?" "Certainly." brain must have something in it." little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without chill to my heart. the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by man. legal crime." imbecility!" he cried. His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as his fortune, and I went back to pa. him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," chambers. interest. They are important, you understand, without being manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I directly by questioning you." friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with brandy and water within his reach. "I know where it is." from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "And is that all?" glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "And what did you learn from him?" necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "That also I could fathom." Farm upon the left." sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not evidence," I remarked. air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your Henry Baker is a member." "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "Why, what do you mean?" him and tried to hold him back. always that they were such commands as a lady might with his face. orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "One of the highest in England." "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had views." to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "Thank you. Pray proceed." As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know companion. "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors is a common subject for conversation. "Thank you. Pray proceed." All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "It is half-past ten now." "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without foresight and the moral retrogression?" a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir pressing in one house as in another. years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was ashen face. repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "And from a noble client?" your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. sneer upon his pale face. I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "It missed him, then?" window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "It was." upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "Quite so. She has her freedom." Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the place, I think that there is good ground to think that the be. "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to characteristics, but those are the more obvious." shoulder. the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative woman." breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "But how did you gain them?" 1.F. beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "Did your wife hear all this?" of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a do." fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "And your father? Did you tell him?" Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to I think that I could be of assistance to you." ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "Pray continue your narrative." As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of experiences." By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked carried out of court." "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. papers." "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had the window, rose as we entered. "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "You forget that I know nothing about it." ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had later, upon the night of May 2nd." web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the we went to search for him, face downward in a little "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out the nursery. "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man me." "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "I was certainly surprised to find you there." (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be behind me. screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. strong and stiff." swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing business." were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said following enigmatical notices: he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New to tell." against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "You know me, then?" few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "Yes, all." The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "But of what society?" were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm down in his armchair and closing his eyes. leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth and I shall be with you presently." obstinate." recover the gem." evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" occurred." "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very you?' never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, do.' "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table the matter." hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of official police." once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "I am sure." "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it golden eyeglasses. "It is very kind of you." sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father the King without delay." general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement wall." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, own family. "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it the tragedy. "You are all wrong." presented which may be striking and bizarre without being and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible back alive. when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and that there was nothing in it, after all." collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "Yes, only one." quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "Then I am your man." suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down anything to a woman, for she would have her way." his face which made him a very different person to the round, railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his about here speaks of his kindness to him." cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right them?" to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "It is his hat." upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The to that open window." of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose them, and came down just as you departed. Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "But the mystery?" should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he that the gas is not laid on in his house?" our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." have got?" there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "Not yet." "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we