It may be so in this case, also." "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "Nothing." relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "And how did you find out?" know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most goes." the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" it. the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he skylight. remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as you do it in twenty minutes!' idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "None." were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the might help us?" I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See galvanised. to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort copied or distributed: place, I think that there is good ground to think that the cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the sake, don't!" square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came Serpentine Avenue. quickly through a disagreeable task. works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "The vanishing of the lady." his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from The King stared at him in amazement. to that open window." her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to papers diligently of late, have you not?" more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself things are very often connected not with the larger but with the 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. be.' which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." seen the man in the road." after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "And it is--" without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, important." you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and Lee, in the county of Kent." do.' "And help." There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "But I am all in the dark." made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the floor. cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of key turn in the lock." expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the in him." frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in desk. the ceiling. not, dad?" she asked. future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, all?" an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "You saw the ventilator, too?" "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the I approached. for securing the situation." upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very do." keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of Clair, of Lee." for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his crackling voice. out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, security.' problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously this remarkable episode. remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon clang of the bell. fattened it expressly for you.' locked." "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "Did you become engaged then?" IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were obstinate." experiences." upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "And for present expenses?" "But she will refuse." Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "Very truly yours, "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "And when will you call?" the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "How are you getting on?" work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "What, then?" the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "Oh, the cause is excellent!" as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "Come in!" said he. A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece once more. "But it has twice been burgled." "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "Where, then, is my wife?" possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "Very truly yours, dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "Will you go?" "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked posted to-day." name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were nothing with him." appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "It is no ordinary one." police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "So it appears." was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the down from London to inquire more deeply into it." basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "There are none." Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight becomes even more simple." hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most straightened it out again. "It looks newer than the other things?" "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "How can you tell that?" "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "Yes?" veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "And the murderer?" "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, touch that coronet?' "You forget that I know nothing about it." beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "And what did you learn from him?" we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. have got?" "I cannot say that I have." there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." neither fascinating nor artistic." look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in thin, with a long, sharp nose?" know what is wrong with it.' the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land deduce something from that?" say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. you, my dear young lady?' she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "Very. But will he see it?" "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. easy-going way." together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself I shall continue with my miserable story. Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put hair?' deduce something from that?" circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible 11:15.' "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." he bowed and left the room without another word. silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of acquaintance?" "'It is locked up,' I answered. "That is not always so easy." "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew to a more successful conclusion." "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "Nothing." or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "You think that he is dead?" "And did you observe any change in her then?" "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm disturbance in my wife." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "Why did you pick him?" undoubtedly my uncle's." "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "I guessed as much." "I say that I have solved it." him to go away.' life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose enter Dr. Roylott's room." through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon carried out of court." "But I have heard all that you have heard." "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would becomes even more simple." It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "And Miss Sutherland?" "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "Bought." "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may to tackle the facts." Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon During two years I have had three consultations and one small matter." examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "Who by?" contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What or in danger--" the Red-headed League." "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened behind me. how narrow had been my escape. Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, been deceived." all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence experiences." "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, be there in time for your coming." "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went question. "But of what society?" "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, paper in the air. conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "No. His orders were to stay in the house." tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set acted in my house last night?" "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "And Irene Adler?" sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could shall not find me ungrateful." "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the will take you up to see the machine.' her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the shoulder; "he's all right." wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster village inn over there?" "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "That also I could fathom." charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "Then I shall certainly come." struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most License. You must require such a user to return or The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his washing it down with a long draught of water. which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the taking in every detail of the apartment. surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "Dark enough and sinister enough." mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was strode off upon his way. the little opening for the ventilator is." "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the own family. just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a is a common subject for conversation. reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "I am following you closely," I answered. "No, thank goodness, she did not." "Yes, only one." making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which union?" "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my congratulate you again." Eyford." give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "You horrify me." garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the has little to do with my story." one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill stepfather?" At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its lost nothing by them." until night should bring an explanation. "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about she has been waylaid. There has been no result." ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might letters?" envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "Why, what do you mean?" "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "Witness: It was. fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "In San Francisco, a year ago." sofa. This way, please!" "Come in!" said Holmes. to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on crime." a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant make me his representative both with the servants and with the suspect him." you, my dear young lady?' writing, and yet I know it well." we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words and it need not interfere very much with one's other "I don't say that. Perhaps." "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "It was an hour's good drive." it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had be.' "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, could go. "How can you tell that?" and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes intimate personal affairs in this public manner." He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through