reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from Street. ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have fled together." acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his anything to do with the matter?" hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." will he say when he returns?" the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired he. relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. good-night and bustled off upon her way. "He disappeared so suddenly." though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "No." name is different." "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a have had none more fantastic than this." naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "You are certainly joking, Holmes." little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "Well, it is a possible supposition." to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "No legal papers or certificates?" "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door know all about it," he snarled. "Why did you beat the pavement?" immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "Ten will be early enough." heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah business in the City. She little knew what. thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "A confidential servant?" "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the quickly through a disagreeable task. which it had come upon my father." "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "I say it is." "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," and laid it on the table. as yours." his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "A client, then?" before the coroner and the police-court." "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" know what is wrong with it.' dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for forehead. shoulder. photograph?" will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to questioning and rather startled gaze. father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" appeal." Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" of his shoulders. "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, them, and came down just as you departed. in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There prepare for the new role I have to play." "Which are?" of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw I held the little printed slip to the light. d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and where she found matters as described by the last witness. desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "Will you go?" of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "'Quite sure, dad.' "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" about here speaks of his kindness to him." will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across I am not easy in my mind about them." The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the secret." "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "Your French gold?" smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "And sit in the dark?" you give your casting vote to?" "'How far from the body?' Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "And how did you find out?" "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more of fine shops and stately business premises that they really Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their said he. and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "It is his hat." "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, Holmes' face clouded over. determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "What I expected to see." occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "No, my brougham is waiting." Foundation certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "It is possible." "Two days later this same performance was gone through under existence." the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing derbies." down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "'What would be the hours?' I asked. work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you the tragedy. I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "No." what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just than to us. that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was coroner's jury." Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to derbies." inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his window when the police appeared." not, dad?" she asked. of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A thin legs towards the fire. mystery may be cleared along those lines." "The Cedars?" had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "Nearly eleven." him!" disappearance of the bride.'" down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, ways including including checks, online payments and credit card penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and appointment with me for six o'clock?" "'And the work?' "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." better grown goose." with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "Whose house is it?" child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as room. "He is dead," cried several voices. weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible back alive. dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "But I am all in the dark." instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "'Yes, I promise.' "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "The gentleman I describe." his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his I. B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the shoulder. breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known to some other building. "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "Very. But will he see it?" wanted for ourselves." "And sit in the dark?" Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and tightly behind him. "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "I was certainly surprised to find you there." whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish ready to-morrow?' "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of some city in a dream. him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, the south-west, I see." was feeling which was the fattest.' remarked. Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence indeed happy." "Did he not advertise?" much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who him, that man would not have given me such complete information "No more words. Get out!" back to my heart. "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary important." liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very photograph a cabinet?" "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at where Mr. Fordham shows you.' written. low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and already been minutely examined." better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about fasten all the windows?" "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "Yes, that is the Crown." some water from a caraffe. the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." may have an influence upon European history." "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "Which are?" your Highness to the police-station?" copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." plantation.' It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "Very. But will he see it?" front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "I have seen the police." framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made carriage. It was a chestnut." "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "No, I had a dozen." examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, colonel looking down at me. rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "But his lameness?" points to suicide?" and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the it." did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have than was visible to me." third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and in him." promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall drawing your inferences." "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "But we can't all be." him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? ways including including checks, online payments and credit card favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser conversation I have gathered that they have been married about all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "You have but to name it." them?" which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "She will not sell." save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "Pray let us have it, for all that." "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, searched, without anything being found which could incriminate that he will be back before evening." relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. appeared upon the scene." a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was triumphant cloud from his cigarette. with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some Eyford." of a light. thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I absorbing." occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, you, my dear young lady?' been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' morning." had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two point our research must commence, and we will begin it by however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in the matter?" gone before you can get him to hospital." before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance may have an influence upon European history." You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped where Mr. Fordham shows you.' a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and arrested. You then--" side. with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project do." mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods strength of mind to control. his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. for the market.' fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "They are typewritten," I remarked. he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, new duties?' a suggestive one." "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed served to weaken the effect. that you can jump it.' follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried.