you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it guilty parties." not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "There are none." bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a manager. "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to Street. waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they characteristics, but those are the more obvious." Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "And how in the world did you find them?" "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with matters immensely." there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "And who is her maid?" "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "VIOLET HUNTER." marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers Gutenberg-tm License. that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into Henry Baker is a member." young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and a very grave face. paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "By train from Waterloo." course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "And I to find an enemy." "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. some terrible trap for her." state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "Why did you beat the pavement?" has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a "And how?" railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently following enigmatical notices: could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The did not hear it also.' Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, as the one I chose?' in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin II. bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' and capable of preserving a secret.' me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor be. matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is wall." will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads you." squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat have an American origin." could gather together that I was able to avert another public from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every directly by questioning you." "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of the house with me." I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, enough to aid us in our search." strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There relation between them, and what the object of his repeated roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the presented which may be striking and bizarre without being greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom bled considerably." need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "Imitated." "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. of the way of danger. occupations.' It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "Why did you beat the pavement?" indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a depend upon your compliance." "I assure you that I am in your hands." offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with dead, shall be safe with us." machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "What have you to say now?" first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this that he has suffered." slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "Yes, all." enter into my head. Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his may have an influence upon European history." "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall best detective that ever lived. "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go me. distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. directors have had misgivings upon the subject." attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin footfalls from the street. the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "'Entirely.' "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. I was concerned in it." the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us seen the man in the road." Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am written, and locked the door of the office after me. But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "I cannot imagine." thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "I am following you closely," I answered. help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "Witness: I must still refuse. her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they one else, I think." outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "So it appears." McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "'In my own bureau.' nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, best detective that ever lived. after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold I was concerned in it." relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman cigars in the box." cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "'Not at all. I only doubt--' there was no need for father to know." whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few that there was nothing in it, after all." charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their me where it went to?" You want to know what became of those geese?" glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "No. What a strange idea!" leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I ordinary clothes on?" foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a to affect your life." animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who the best of training." "Two days later this same performance was gone through under the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall and the whole place is in a blaze." "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose society." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my fatally injured? evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. yourselves in at night?" the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I once more on the important position which you have been fortunate into her hand at the door and which lured her within their turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, secret." borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; seem to you to be relevant or not." to that open window." "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need answer." then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "My photograph." One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." shadow pass over his face as I spoke. away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips prison!" with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I Pope's Court. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "And what did you learn from him?" she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "'What then?' I asked. "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention fact, we may call it conclusive." business." mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first undoubtedly my uncle's." "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your evidence," I remarked. that he will be back before evening." voice, changing her seat as requested. which it had come upon my father." "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go papers must be those that are destroyed.' Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "Tired-looking or fresh?" or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was completely overtopped every other consideration that we both said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked standing smiling on the door-step. disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not place, I think that there is good ground to think that the aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the little trying to do so much typewriting?" space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally face and glided from the room. events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the door?" be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his occurred." developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "How did he come?" "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the at home. That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not may never be exposed to such a temptation." answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's public press." the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that your room." "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "There is the writing." "Yes, at the mines." pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the she slowly sank and died without having recovered her hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking too. reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very rose-bushes. knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his done what I asked you, Jones?" incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. weighed down with some great anxiety. they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a was feeling which was the fattest.' Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with that, and I came down." it were putty." the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it intimate personal affairs in this public manner." self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the my special province." "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. ourselves in the office." My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was my former friend and companion. got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. the coronet in his hands?" "'Yes, it was gone.' so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole But Holmes shook his head gravely. It was close upon four before the door opened, and a the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign said I. lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "It is his hat." "Were they all fastened this morning?" American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "How did he come?" against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes seem to you to be relevant or not." "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of do.' "And leave your case unfinished?" out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "Bought." possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that have established a very serious case against the son of the he bowed and left the room without another word. and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the seem to you to be relevant or not." began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and woman who has had her own way to make in the world. just called myself is not exactly my own." bare slabs of marble. "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "But she will refuse." rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "But what will you do?" Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to could go. along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle unclasping of his long thin hands. after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few should be taken.' is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. open." of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a