be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low the house with me." investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. future lives." "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "I think it very unlikely." present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "If so, much may have happened between." deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the plantation.' once more for Briony Lodge. All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "You forget that I know nothing about it." "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the could not account in any way for the presence of the missing breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. floor. "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so was not a bird to be seen there. sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the exactly what you advise." "Yes." in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would best detective that ever lived. The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "Yes?" "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not such attractions and accomplishments?' kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb happened." landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "That you are never beaten." his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "The landlord of the Alpha." the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "'And the work?' "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. who was a member of your goose club." "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at you, my dear young lady?' I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" likely to be some crony of the landlady's." about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "'Ten to two.' there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "Now, then, what's the last entry?" maid will bring up your coffee." the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "I do." certainly not very gracious." of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same least a fellow-countryman. IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "But how did you gain them?" "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. hair?' "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall and the whole place is in a blaze." could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "Seven!" I answered. wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair mystery." "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "Not him." "Certainly, madam." while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel I leave." window when the police appeared." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this she used." are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "What! Had he lost his wife?" third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "Her father is very rich?" remarked. The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a manager. "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy as he remarks, very much against the son." "Where is it, then?" yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered in a very precise fashion." you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of him nearly every evening." let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I union?" gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet as this. Pray let me have the details." brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with it? Did I buy the geese off you?" Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. business came to an end." dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep of your young ladies.' what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "No." day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in unprecedented a position." "'Never,' said I. lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive now. It seems that there had been some informality about their so.' "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "My dear Holmes!" am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right character. my secret was safe in his possession. "Never to return." window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. tell me that you intended to go into harness." entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself brought there to personate someone, and the real person is although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, sound at heart." however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "Frequently." the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." once more to my work. opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between matter over." The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had bill, which interests me deeply." public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," which we had just quitted. danger is over." "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "And on what day did he meet his death?" your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "I will, Miss Turner." and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." simple cases which are so extremely difficult." may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a if I call to-morrow?" emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will companion. "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. present." been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this several quiet little villages up there." you?" "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our compunction about shooting them down." Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such that you wished to speak to me?' endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his particular state visit http://pglaf.org "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "No." and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "And from a noble client?" provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now secret." may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger definite end. to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of grasp, he hurried from the room. and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too papers must be those that are destroyed.' is a common subject for conversation. usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would unprofitable." with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "In which, sir?" "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "I came to find a friend." never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" someone who had been in Australia." which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet asked with his eyes open. He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at friends, not even his own brother. "And how?" "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly at my own good fortune. "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I in your London, you will know that the office of the company is the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you approach us with offers to donate. in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" had no one to advise her at such a crisis." of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle take the flies, but not before." collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I did not hear it also.' a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for character. Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" some city in a dream. twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by in the port of London." "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "How did that help you?" "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "From his hat?" for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind fashion which was peculiar to him. morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "You'll never persuade me to believe that." my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I there when the Rucastles went away." "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "Why, it's a dummy," said he. exactly what you advise." young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "And leave your case unfinished?" listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it place of silver." undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in It may be so in this case, also." public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "Where did he live, then?" bonnet, and went out." going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and of this gang." should be so warm over such a trifle." "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" observed. system of imprisonment?" has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work page at http://pglaf.org had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A definite end. absolutely follow my advice in every respect." Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. to that open window." and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "You are certainly joking, Holmes."