know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "No sign of it?" until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "It is his hat." "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon becomes even more simple." your sleep?' address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "But who is he?" whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his "Not in a good cause." "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "So it appears." leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "My photograph." the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "'Very good.' paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl be. impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "Where, then, is my wife?" Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he "I have my revolver," said I. greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had gentleman's clothes. "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "But what will you do?" "Why did you beat the pavement?" be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in colonel looking down at me. Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the instincts rose up against that laugh. civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could arrested. You then--" some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you You want to know what became of those geese?" gives a meaning to it." "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "'In my own bureau.' "'And what salary do you ask?' I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I generous with you in money matters.' LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three trifles." Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about she might be summoned. story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "That you are never beaten." passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue have not had my rubber." charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "'No, I know no one in these parts.' a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are furiously. As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought strode off upon his way. "'Ten to two.' "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found garden below. hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "Just look it up, then." quick march!" quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "You think so, too?" instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little me." finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you locked." which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. tightly behind him. heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "It is possible." secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out of Fenchurch Street." of." SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "Your presence might be invaluable." subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. be there in time for your coming." of this gang." Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That during the last few years, and there are many noble families to discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of bachelor.' emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "No, but the enclosure is." in his power. "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, considering the formidable letters which were received by himself nice household for a young lady." "He said that you could solve anything." satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the window when the police appeared." I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "Yes?" Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or fattened it expressly for you.' my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main dates and names. official police." "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and advice." shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this room?" Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account leave you to your papers for a little." turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as into her hand at the door and which lured her within their and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "The rest you will leave in our hands." following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "No?" Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. your equipment. "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so of them has the shutters up.' after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "Quite so." province." other, as fresh and trim as possible. copied or distributed: "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "But what is it you wish?" or in danger--" the driver. Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "Were they all fastened this morning?" is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle the child." if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "My photograph." Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, unprecedented a position." I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "You think so, too?" brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "Your presence might be invaluable." something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an been shamefully used." that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind allusion to a rat. mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as not fit the lock." him. remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "But your client--" follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "'Ample.' quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a opened the door, and slipped through. sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let his grey eyes. be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "And did you observe any change in her then?" never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of hair?' stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able shoulder. "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so hour?' "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "And for present expenses?" retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is against a man in the prime of life?" adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about from you?" high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about that I may have something better before very many minutes are "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, hopeless attempt at recovering them." certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a down. "'What are you doing there?' he asked. known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "'It is locked up,' I answered. "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there exactly what you advise." aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from someone who had been in Australia." brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that long narrative. quickly through a disagreeable task. rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not my room." singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "He slept on the premises." the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "I am still in the dark." Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "Pray let us have it, for all that." of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "Ah, but I was recommended to you." is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further second." "Come in!" said he. throat." error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "You'll never persuade me to believe that." persecution?" which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "But we can't all be." anything to a woman, for she would have her way." pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by until night should bring an explanation. strength." be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless congratulate you again." "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "I cannot say that I have." Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, Eyford." "'What would be the hours?' I asked. flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "It is no ordinary one." lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. not, dad?" she asked. what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at intimate personal affairs in this public manner." that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you and prosperity to your house. Good-night." it means?" McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "And help." "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "'Ten to two.' "Proceed, then." "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so became a certainty. "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "What then?" cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "You have compromised yourself seriously." in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; ordinary clothes on?" until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "I came to find a friend." following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in compunction about shooting them down." cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always are, I think, all that we need." nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my me have 200 pounds?' sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the power." many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. during the last few years, and there are many noble families to police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "I do." "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a one which it was hard to resist. "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman careless servant girl?" he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with promised to bring home. after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took like gravel from a pit.' "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how questionable one." Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From where Mr. Fordham shows you.' set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob any." Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "A thing like a cleaver," said he. met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my meant." I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight Holmes' face clouded over. "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the morning." we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that better in every way that they should make their position a little said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "Perfectly so." It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; think, you have already met." shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "He said that you could solve anything." the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the I leave." once more. I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "Will you bet, then?" "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "And how in the world did you find them?" story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, fish-monger and a tide-waiter." manager. were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the disturbance in my wife." full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they wedding?" exactly what you advise." sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "I answered that I had not. Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be villagers almost as much as their master. chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the one or two very singular points about this room. For example, tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "I have hopes." "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "Did he not advertise?" 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of will he say when he returns?" "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without of receipt of the work. that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for