"I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you woman who has had her own way to make in the world. considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "Not yet." however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of get her out of the way." behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." better grown goose." How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of nonsense.' "'Yes, I promise.' certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "My private note-paper." "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "Precisely so. But how--" and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and this as likely?" for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. the Red-headed League." frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch useful material for showing traces. The double line a little conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, or other trace. But how on earth--" dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "At the wedding breakfast." companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. papers." were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; introspective fashion. "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A detective. as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "Why? What do you mean?" fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, infinite languor in his face. room had already been engaged for us. have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "Which are?" Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "'Yes, it was gone.' feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "Why? What do you mean?" less than 26s. 4d. wanted for ourselves." which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "No." would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, of note-paper. It read in this fashion: way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." second." mystery may be cleared along those lines." know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed I leave." and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. look dissatisfied." peculiar to him. them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made breakfast?" bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works the stones. never to learn it at all." have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to was already answered. on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my gentleman's clothes. telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course You want to know what became of those geese?" that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "The Cedars?" she used." often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. in this note: from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, Dr. Gregory B. Newby wife's character?" "What have you to say now?" "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "In which, sir?" eavesdroppers?' Holmes' room. "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of the matter?" cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "You don't mind breaking the law?" 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a since then to throw any light upon what became of him." was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John Lee, in the county of Kent." Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this what is your own theory as to what took place?" "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "My own seal." loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater your troubles." the room while you explain this matter?" kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "And how did you verify them?" done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case may never be exposed to such a temptation." and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "The rest you will leave in our hands." and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting it right.' these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "What, then, did Peterson do?" "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to something of him before." him!" mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the at my remark. existence." past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might of the vacancies.' "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was the coronet in his hands?" really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she corner of the building. "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was me where it went to?" even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove with you?" "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "And how did you verify them?" threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great forecastle of an emigrant ship. learned something! Where are the gems?" A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the allusion to a rat. weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have green of the new foliage. and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There and I shall be with you presently." "What I expected to see." It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the had no one to advise her at such a crisis." the so-precious time, but come!' Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "Very truly yours, although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under friends, not even his own brother. and looked back. case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from His smile broadened. donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" answered with a sidelong glance. o'clock is it?" just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "You have a clue?" and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of Chief Executive and Director fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining fuss that is made over them." Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "Yes, I have one waiting." stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the since then to throw any light upon what became of him." which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "It is possible." little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the Literary Archive Foundation have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who again on its way. She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately wedding?" our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I in this note: "Yes." "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "Yes, but only for you and me." for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that ashen face. without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "Yes, I have one waiting." no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" directors have had misgivings upon the subject." bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "'Oh, no.' danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "Yes, from Horsham." him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. Farm upon the left." happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance never came back." lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "Did he not advertise?" a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." clang of the bell. and it need not interfere very much with one's other which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may morning." "'I am sure that I do not know.' agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and cigars in their mouths. street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "And how did you find out?" "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "He disappeared so suddenly." "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered there when the Rucastles went away." 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the me, and I could not think that his explanation of the that he will be back before evening." "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed there!' didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "You have but to name it." Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them his huge brown hands. insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of this man was intellectual?" of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, very morning of my second wedding." "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of particular state visit http://pglaf.org where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, begun to whiten, even as mine has." "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." business at Coburg Square is serious." allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "Where, then?" two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a of the one which your family is now devouring." the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "Yes, certainly." will not take me long to tell. building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "Very murderous indeed." she to prove their authenticity?" about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent room?" "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "A confidential servant?" "And how in the world did you find them?" It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" the running down." did not hear it also.' happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never room?" scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "Of what?" reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the him. absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. questionable one." regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most about here speaks of his kindness to him." certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." enough to aid us in our search." he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease.