four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "'There is a drive, then?' "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the brain must have something in it." "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on green of the new foliage. the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the fact, we may call it conclusive." considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet him and tried to hold him back. evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "Nothing." lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, Sholtos." The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high careless servant girl?" in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, of Fenchurch Street." if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "Do you receive much company?" he asked. suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by the little opening for the ventilator is." papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "And now?" He raised his hand. "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so Edgeware Road. aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. new acquaintance to Baker Street. corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "And what then?" scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, present." he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that than was visible to me." last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "I assure you that I am in your hands." "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "He disappeared so suddenly." homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in train from Paddington which would bring you there at about He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and the coronet in his hands?" "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of you?" grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, any little problem which you may submit to me." "Dark enough and sinister enough." carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal in darkness. IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "How long did she speak to this Alice?" the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. The King stared at him in amazement. out of this horrible affair." the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "Yes, at the mines." and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "But I am all in the dark." "'Which dealer's?' out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "On your arm?" low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "Texas, I think." danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "And now?" He raised his hand. with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing The summons was a brief and urgent one. it." her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood make me his representative both with the servants and with the to surprise her." an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I your room." came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge a little more before I quite committed myself. me." moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of long narrative. Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "But to whom?" of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. over his head with a sweet womanly caress. indeed which he could not unravel. begun to whiten, even as mine has." way in." "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's ways of our fellow-men." is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "So I heard. You have him here?" his face. "Where, indeed?" of." sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my manager. "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of formed some opinion?" pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a little trying to do so much typewriting?" patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were lamp in his hand. has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a works. See paragraph 1.E below. a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "'Certainly,' I answered. in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side whereabouts. "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "Where to?" reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I walking." I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated overpowering excitement and concern. trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by everything which you would wish to know." Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable been deceived." said I. We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was nothing of it?" terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "Indeed! Whose, then?" ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said the night.' interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" formed some opinion?" you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "So it appears." every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. washing it down with a long draught of water. "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be his huge brown hands. body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel cost them two and thirty pounds." roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the will not take me long to tell. occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "But not more so than I to find you." "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, matter." shaken than I had ever seen him. leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each in him." The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was we went to search for him, face downward in a little than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "Which are?" in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "I am armed." prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "I am about to be married." robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate the matter?" "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "The Coroner: What do you mean? "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "Married! When?" centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" wife's character?" At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with details should find their way into the papers. Inspector was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "I have my revolver," said I. Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now both be extremely obliged.' "'Certainly not.' "It is very kind of you." helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a Street. say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that burst out into a roar of laughter. heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "I saw her in conversation with her maid." way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "'I am sure that I do not know.' of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "No, I am descending." "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you straighten it?" corner of the building. one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "Did he not advertise?" another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "Because he was handy and would come cheap." bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. of your young ladies.' what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." politicians who had been sent down from the North. problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "That is it on the dressing-table." "Yes." "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I entirely devoid of interest." and inquire as to the address." for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The Doctor, of the paper and the date." "Yes." in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "I will try. What is it?" "The best possible." photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain at home. set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "So it appears." have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with place, I think that there is good ground to think that the emerged. secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and at a side door. matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, The events in question occurred in the early days of my was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and guilty parties." "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "Awake, Watson?" he asked. as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "It was a confession," I ejaculated. akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the more terrible than the truth. delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at this Miss Turner." before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause which we had just quitted. world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I think that he is innocent?" "Your French gold?" an introduction to him?" "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "Certainly." narrative." "There are none." hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of least a fellow-countryman. laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from allusion to a rat. "You are certainly joking, Holmes." the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been congratulate you again." "But you can know nothing of this?" with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "I would pay ten." similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. important." Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "'Ten to two.' drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he knowledge of the world." Lee, in the county of Kent." "A call for help, you thought?" "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have imbecility!" he cried. too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "You horrify me!" the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. time." her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "No good news?" he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter prison!" "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no populous neighbourhood." photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have the matter." "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "And how did he make his money?" me. You must get home instantly and act." in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "I was sure that I might rely on you." refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but breakfast." creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, Eyford at 11:15.' "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "Then I can wait in the next room." which should have the effect of calling the attention of the writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, from the brougham. "My own seal." "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed as noiselessly as she had come. while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not showing my impatience. "I see no marks." "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other to go into your room and bar your shutters?" ventilator." questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the clanging. behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the right! Sit down and let us talk it over." a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "The King of Scandinavia." The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from were unconscious?" Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and