"Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a in the dead of the night?' room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage you understand?" breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "Was your sister dressed?" man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "I am still in the dark." With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "He said too much." orange pips. behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" definite end. "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very You want to know what became of those geese?" "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "Where did you address your letters, then?" where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to should be taken.' small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, straightened it out again. "I answered that I had not. Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." way: hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "That also I could fathom." "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "Witness: It was. the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever to you." engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I records." "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "And what did you learn from him?" see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss arms and began to sob in a high treble key. Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "Then you may entirely rely on me." to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "I am about to be married." you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "Yes, but only for you and me." me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards other means.' red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "Well." had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the business." The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be do." that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress might help us?" nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On stepfather?" and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be know that the truth is known." actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "And on what day did he meet his death?" what is your own theory as to what took place?" one's self under obligations.' half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive the morning and make my own way in the world.' then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "Has he come with you to-night?" for and were ordered to this address. Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in said I. remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "How did he come?" "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to highly," said Holmes. including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "It must be recovered." words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage me where it went to?" room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria dramatic, in fact." back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "Imitated." "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "Never." undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a pierced for earrings?" were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two national property. I was determined that the law should have its "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes he bowed and left the room without another word. I have it here in my museum." of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I used to be." sound at heart." "How can you tell that?" "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such said I. spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "Do you go out much in society?" another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "Perfectly so." like that before?" people in all walks of life. "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination second." in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was if I call to-morrow?" humiliation." right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. but preventing her from injuring another. which I could not give. He asked for Alice. implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped someone who had been in Australia." Eyford at 11:15.' it were putty." success. drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." during which he might have communicated with his friend the sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we the nursery. "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes asked. really the only notable feature about the thing." in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "'I have heard so.' "My Mary? Impossible!" done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock shaken than I had ever seen him. pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" what is your own theory as to what took place?" day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted dates and names. of it with the greatest attention. fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "Bought." "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. acted in my house last night?" opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "But you would not advise me to refuse?" no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I these bleak autumnal evenings." no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "It is possible." time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "'As governess?' every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. and looked back. hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, chance at all." "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "No bad?" the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "Look there!" said he. seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the look dissatisfied." "And your mother is alive?" "The gentleman I describe." piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband friends, not even his own brother. the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you you." "My dear Holmes!" vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will beg that you will break it off." and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "'What, the red-headed man?' chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the of receipt of the work. tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "To ruin me." "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "So I heard. You have him here?" McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought wedding?" did not hear it also.' commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the some place of shelter and let the county police know what has train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the the inquest, and which are worth considering." singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three laugh and put his lips to my ear. existence." Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little to talk it over. something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "Stoke Moran?" said he. similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "He slept on the premises." time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "'You cannot say what it was?' It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a the stones. into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "That is not always so easy." before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the depend upon your compliance." encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "No good news?" the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora photograph a cabinet?" "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "What then?" the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds bearing upon the case." or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man over with notes and figures. with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "Of what?" saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, gentleman's clothes. "The gentleman I describe." Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "'Yes, sir.' with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face beg that you will break it off." professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence question. here and I will read it to you: her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest you?' face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the over here." "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There Project Gutenberg-tm works. quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "Will you go?" the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. not use it unless it is absolutely needed." Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me woman." your troubles." quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "She told me to ask you." "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of past. you?" "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small and a shock of very red hair. "No." "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every there!' "I was mad--insane." "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "Breckinridge is his name." Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "Then what has happened to him?" "That is possible." emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. vault. in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "ARAT," I read. glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "Yes." "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do fashion which was peculiar to him. "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger really the only notable feature about the thing." suggested at once that there must be a communication between the with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "That sounds a little paradoxical." of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." it." companion quietly. held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth of a light. companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and events, Mr. Windibank!" of note-paper. It read in this fashion: have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. have not had my rubber." Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of placed his cuttings. Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. have established a very serious case against the son of the up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and ways including including checks, online payments and credit card better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." extraordinary contortions. do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows along the entire front of the house, with three long windows face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "Dark enough and sinister enough." be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could desk. "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she I held the little printed slip to the light. "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might on in his house." "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared