that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and It was close upon four before the door opened, and a once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "Perhaps I have." enter Dr. Roylott's room." on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to foot. of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties Foundation started for the Temple to see my husband. which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate have established a very serious case against the son of the former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "Then I am your man." "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough asked with his eyes open. "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "When did she vanish, then?" writing, and yet I know it well." which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "Quite so." panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his delirious. well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just posted to-day." hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his whereabouts. "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "That's no good." to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take with you?" explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "Ha! you find it so?" "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City dates and names. "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked beg that you will break it off." "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own galvanised. unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "Frequently." the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to a room. ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "Yesterday." from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we it." sufficient punishment." formed some opinion?" foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "I don't believe it." docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments and all of them with the keenest interest. sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "And how?" guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning chill to my heart. "But you have hopes?" tightly behind him. always that they were such commands as a lady might with piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, the devil!" "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." which our visitor detailed to us. had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and might have a private word with us. Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "Where to?" to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "Eh? What was that?" 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth indiscretion." while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can tell me that you intended to go into harness." "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "'Where could I find him?' fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. and laid it on the table. possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main carriage. It was a chestnut." through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, he died? to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among DAMAGE. grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, narrative." across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was hard-headed British jury." would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the to talk it over. "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, pity, because in other respects you would really have done very me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but bears upon the case?" hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. woman." "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I returning from some small jollification and was making his way moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "Pray do so." "We must have a cab." remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the considering the formidable letters which were received by himself Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a ways of our fellow-men." of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains just ask you whether you had heard it.' "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "But his lameness?" He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, you." "And Miss Sutherland?" "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like hopeless attempt at recovering them." comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. His smile broadened. fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one murdered man." "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes certainly not very gracious." could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public as yours." alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "But you have hopes?" remarked. deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter that?' snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. pound a week." passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "It is no ordinary one." "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. despaired of." through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "Did your wife hear all this?" case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "Not I." and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose waste of energy." "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you prison!" aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper meanly of me." "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, bedroom door." very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of should be taken.' will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "On the contrary, this is the right side." secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been mystery may be cleared along those lines." is four-and-twenty." Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "That also I could fathom." Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally matters immensely." details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "Pray be precise as to details," said he. his face which made him a very different person to the round, those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our there is a decided draught." we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "Get out!" said he. "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed strong reason behind." hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "Yes, the wine-cellar." "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "That is also quite modern," said the lady. footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "'What are you doing there?' he asked. that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "What is it?" We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we salesman. "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, not as remarkable as your advertisement." her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "Not in the least." much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. were new raised from a basin. and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "What! You do not mean bodies?" her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular down in his armchair and closing his eyes. lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I was a lad." photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "Was there a secret marriage?" the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' my little problems." appeared upon the scene." country, and eventually married, without anyone having a the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "Where did you address your letters, then?" open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "No, I am descending." too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I me upon any point which I do not make clear." their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and was once confined in the cab my mission was practically which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "But how?" male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the read over the extraordinary announcement. "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all hands. Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger Henry Baker is a member." fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought yourselves in at night?" something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "I have my revolver," said I. Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle enter into my head. deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. feature." As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual the running down." have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to companion. "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you certainly do as you advise." daring than any effort of the imagination." and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "It's nothing of the kind." "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back the bed, and you in that chair." chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "No, I think that I'll take it." companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing highly," said Holmes. of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple it right.' governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the is," said he presently: drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "And on what day did he meet his death?" the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are not, dad?" she asked. reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered vanished into the darkness. imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." other, as fresh and trim as possible. would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which discontent upon his features. business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," enter Dr. Roylott's room." over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "What, then, did Peterson do?" future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "'There is a drive, then?' sofa. This way, please!" room. "And how did you verify them?" things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." sake, don't!" which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded felt?" my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor whereabouts. urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to Heh?' "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" here." Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "None." possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "We must have a cab." pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a matters immensely." train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 leaning back in his chair. skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "And now?" He raised his hand. He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same maiden herself was most instructive." eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive