covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, my special province." "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "I guessed as much." "To the police?" clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to photograph a cabinet?" job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, It was close upon four before the door opened, and a woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the weigh very heavily upon my conscience." writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "To an end?" The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a south, for the country is more deserted there." profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows she to prove their authenticity?" while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "And did you observe any change in her then?" few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "It may not come to that," said Holmes. I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "Do you go out much in society?" of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" amused." once more to my work. PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "What! a murderous attack?" better in every way that they should make their position a little The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "Not in the least." Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted definite end. had this final quarrel? newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an interested in these little problems, and since you are good foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "Frequently." "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what bachelor.' unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, most interesting one." "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "I warn you that they are very incomplete." but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from wedding?" his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes four million human beings all jostling each other within the that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as voice, changing her seat as requested. useful material for showing traces. The double line a little forebodings. villagers almost as much as their master. one of them." hard-headed British jury." Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my rat could hardly pass through." "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage his cane at the bell-pull. as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that correct than the official force." down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest and that he would see to anything that turned up. "I never have." few hundred pounds.' "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was lost his Christmas dinner." varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white The police have openly confessed that they can at present make black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "I have come for advice." purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a I nodded to show that I had heard. form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as such attractions and accomplishments?' "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back Where does the thing come from?' you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just did not hear it also.' a good hundred miles off by now." the dangers which encompass me." confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "Were they all fastened this morning?" have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of foot. family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical You can understand that this register and diary may implicate this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the in this note: main points of my analysis." of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "'Yes, sir.' thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "But your client--" he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "'Yes, sir.' destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, the coronet in his hand?" house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." maid will bring up your coffee." glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. wanted for ourselves." left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something experiences." "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included redistribution. touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. the coroner come to?" and looked back. what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing Leave Paddington by the 11:15." understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to Where does the thing come from?' "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "And for present expenses?" the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full this unhappy family?" Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own of it with the greatest attention. There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had Stoke Moran." "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "Yes." "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain closing the door. sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn she to prove their authenticity?" my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "I have my revolver," said I. It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her your bag." over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "He is still with you, I presume?" though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by could gather together that I was able to avert another public The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. 'please.'" I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned not personally threatened." time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the indeed happy." glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to strength of mind to control. Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether shoulder. for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "What then?" There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "'Never.' house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "What is it, then--a fire?" which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as danger is over." with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, the very letters. But what is this written above them?' half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "Yes, certainly." up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "I cannot think." and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a call for it in person on Monday morning.' himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "Dark enough and sinister enough." say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three himself to tell his story. case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "'Is 4 pounds a week.' hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we with some details as to your case." absorbing." "That you are never beaten." to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was London for the present?" heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my public press." comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to lips." glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was problems help me to do so." observed. cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the matter." cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "In which, sir?" "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "Yes." for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you matters immensely." of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my to-night?' enter into my head. discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "Yes, only one." it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "Who was the criminal, then?" said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not enough to aid us in our search." "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always and it need not interfere very much with one's other "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." companion. "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked point in the dark hollow of his hand. Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a unprecedented a position." as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "But not more so than I to find you." "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what results." It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "What steps will you take?" I asked. "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his not fit the lock." "And it is--" my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the Foundation his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. to affect your life." the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other head. So long, then!" present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the train.' my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out my former friend and companion. matter." there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "Stolen, then." with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place guilty one." "Then, as to money?" "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "In what way?" asked Holmes. "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the question. following enigmatical notices: "To the police?" Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at trying to your nerves." dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in have an American origin." so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own