shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "On your arm?" it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "Come in!" said Holmes. it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in death." qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier hopeless attempt at recovering them." same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I towards the blaze. "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "In answer to an advertisement." the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "Deserted you?" this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." bare slabs of marble. firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon a monotonous occupation." the coronet in his hands?" knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be following enigmatical notices: "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us information in his hands the value of which he did not himself down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action are, and they are waiting for us." dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, way in everything. "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "Indeed! Whose, then?" a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed as he remarks, very much against the son." there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his evidence," I remarked. go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. Heh?' in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "You were travelling in the States?" that I am arrested." presented more singular features than that which was associated papers must be those that are destroyed.' lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but other, as fresh and trim as possible. It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the my room." "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg troubles have been weighing upon his mind. adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when the salesman. IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I trying to your nerves." it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search how narrow had been my escape. "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "And is that all?" his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "I say it is." money should be paid at once.' latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the chill to my heart. "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "You know me, then?" searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." and laid it on the table. attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day face and glided from the room. and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "Not particularly." "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang said I. wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' Clair, of Lee." it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." pierced for earrings?" with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and at home. four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "Ha! you find it so?" the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We here and I will read it to you: "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook never came back." have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "And for present expenses?" surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest highly," said Holmes. simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each empty. travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the there were so many in the whole country as were brought together 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "Here?" therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "Then the page we have seen--" "That's no good." found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "'Where to?' detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found clanging. that you wished to speak to me?' such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been "Yes, certainly." Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who his huge brown hands. were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "And your mother is alive?" in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the upon the shelf for the interim." "Were they all fastened this morning?" "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of cup of tea. we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been character. "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I 'I should be able to look after that for you.' why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "It was a confession," I ejaculated. A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, returned to France?" "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see States. carpenter." think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "I don't say that. Perhaps." "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "I am still in the dark." three fields round his house, and there he would take his "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and through." you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar goes." We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to if I call to-morrow?" and have this put in the evening papers." while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes round with crates and massive boxes. "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "'There is a drive, then?' merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, just called myself is not exactly my own." mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "An enemy?" Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord mystery." characteristics, but those are the more obvious." year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, during which he might have communicated with his friend the in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "Was he the only applicant?" "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his approach us with offers to donate. "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from that I am arrested." three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." Count Von Kramm." hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry business at Coburg Square is serious." I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very in your London, you will know that the office of the company is received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "Perhaps we may make them less so." to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his III. Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "Why did you pick him?" "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight me. implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the chance at all." mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "Then I can wait in the next room." "No." young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "Have you her photograph?" erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided or in danger--" in. six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but three of the beryls in it, was missing. - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "That sounds a little paradoxical." mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. writer." had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "I will, Miss Turner." their singular warning or token before them when starting upon tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be look upon these things in a different way." puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in miles off. but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "Not yet." cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when and glanced through. relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself charged with?" gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "I know where it is." unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "Seven!" I answered. gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "A confidential servant?" listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "I answered that I had not. apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the even so self-evident a thing as that." photograph a cabinet?" "Deserted you?" a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "I am about to be married." of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." easy-going way." cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had always that they were such commands as a lady might with calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. thought that she would have been so carried away." fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came written, and locked the door of the office after me. "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "Very much so." Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by http://www.gutenberg.net dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich of Mr. Rucastle's." these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "'What do you call purely nominal?' 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "Eh? What was that?" "But how?" over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank politicians who had been sent down from the North. would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, the one as in the other." blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to desk. He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. purpose of examination. can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "By all means." He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "And Irene Adler?" "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "'Ten to two.' whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at Cross for the Continent." smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "And what did you see?" part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town handed it to him. about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then as noiselessly as she had come. leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is the very letters. But what is this written above them?' anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client *** START: FULL LICENSE *** and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he presented which may be striking and bizarre without being