"Yes, sir." To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire noting anything else of interest. evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is works. "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "In answer to an advertisement." to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "Stolen, then." I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was respectable self." each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day outsides of the windows. your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest his fortune, and I went back to pa. three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a particular state visit http://pglaf.org from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "A confidential servant?" of campaign. and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch whereabouts. was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your fat-encircled eyes. all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, would apply.' every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "'And what are they worth?' I asked. relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "Not particularly." it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "By no means." and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where weary and pale-looking. bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, did not hear it also.' estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "And Irene Adler?" "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "Never." following enigmatical notices: the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "'What do you call purely nominal?' first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "We were both in the photograph." "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had said Mr. Holder. and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's entirely devoid of interest." moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "Well, it is a possible supposition." turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards what I may call a really hard day's work." to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "Her father is very rich?" "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found in one or two places in England?' "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "Yes." reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "Not particularly." come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "Whose house is it?" "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine it." "I was afraid that you were engaged." "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What thin legs towards the fire. days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "A call for help, you thought?" "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure where she found matters as described by the last witness. nights." were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "To an end?" in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had attention." been." All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "Was the window open?" his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" key turn in the lock." train.' penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with sofa. This way, please!" pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility will be renamed. bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept said Mr. Holder. "It came here." inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second fuss that is made over them." are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with said Mr. Holder. his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. you." "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the this unhappy family?" must compliment you." the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a assist you in forming an opinion." clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my footfalls from the street. feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend arrested. You then--" "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "'In my own bureau.' "'Certainly not.' Foundation of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "I am to be neutral?" go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened and capable of preserving a secret.' gives a meaning to it." Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I kindly on the shoulder. laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, fasten all the windows?" pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of heavy and sharp instrument." until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, companion. "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "Never to return." thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "Ten will be early enough." "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of paper in the air. list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "Can I be of assistance?" the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "His face fell immediately. and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "No, my brougham is waiting." easy-going way." faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, tell him that I know him to be innocent." increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated rat could hardly pass through." of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "My photograph." myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "And who is her maid?" With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "Well?" lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an the little opening for the ventilator is." who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of indiscretion." "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known which I could not give. He asked for Alice. the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the felt?" heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, papers on the sundial.'" "It is very kind of you." had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "You have it, sir, just as it happened." save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "I think that I had better go, Holmes." morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "What then?" the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are keep the flames under. with her." XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET fuss that is made over them." safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "Perhaps I have." servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found seven miles from Eyford Station.' "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So know all about it," he snarled. sneer upon his pale face. top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had DAMAGE. value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the 11:15.' "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "No legal papers or certificates?" Sutherland. "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "Stoke Moran?" said he. "Did you become engaged then?" "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to call the police, let the police find what they can.' "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "Here?" as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can Arthur Conan Doyle cause to be." bedroom door." the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. walking." breakfast." dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "I promise," said Holmes. upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to one else, I think." "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "May I see it?" official police." safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to could gather together that I was able to avert another public feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "By no means." one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit tied." them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a a suggestive one." You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite this remarkable episode. came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of the very letters. But what is this written above them?' impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at shall use the carriage to-night." some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "No, distinctly professional." of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how It may be so in this case, also." however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "I should like to see him very much." "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper garden below. "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "My Mary? Impossible!" these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' and capable of preserving a secret.' not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely events than those which have happened in my own family." distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the fled together." than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "Do you know him?" room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated generous with you in money matters.' battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "I see many objections to any such theory." http://gutenberg.net/license). remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "Yes?" "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes then?" fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the that I can to serve you." a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "'Ample.' scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I place of silver." Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this posted to-day." inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, Have you good authority for what you say?" who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning