statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the for its centre. drawing your inferences." opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might speckled band?" the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout bird I ate is country bred." down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "And Irene Adler?" "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that matter." All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back of campaign. object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed becomes even more simple." circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one conceal it?" Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his pressing in one house as in another. "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "And the murderer?" were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well not interfere, come what may. You understand?" of campaign. for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "A call for help, you thought?" gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been was it brought him the coronet? Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the hour." suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall leaning back in his chair. mysterious end." these bleak autumnal evenings." could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared know what is wrong with it.' "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "We must sit without light. He would see it through the was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his silent! Oh, he will be silent!' agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then fatally injured? revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out was a loud and authoritative tap. been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with I approached. very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "You have the photograph?" "By no means." it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "But you were on a friendly footing?" "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who asked. words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit our word." "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until constraint." was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. him and tried to hold him back. a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my should be so warm over such a trifle." dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely and a shock of very red hair. there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "Bought." closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "Yes. He waved his hands." was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "No, distinctly professional." that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "May I see it?" "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the been able to understand it, in a very few words. prepare for the new role I have to play." considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he closely." "Nothing?" matter over." "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "Certainly." "'What would be the hours?' I asked. forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "But we can't all be." "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most place, I think that there is good ground to think that the I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known may never be exposed to such a temptation." her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "And you can do nothing until then?" to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' my room." surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "Were they all fastened this morning?" face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it all-comprehensive glances. adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." guilty parties." "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "But who is he?" Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "Well, some hundreds of times." eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out legal crime." "But she will refuse." orange pips. because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "A thing like a cleaver," said he. imbecility!" he cried. here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "And why?" go back?" Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "No?" backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove to that open window." the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to was lame." the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in me have 200 pounds?' room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by Again Holmes raved in the air. business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "But how?" but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "I will try. What is it?" he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is hair?' so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were for its centre. danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "Where is it, then?" company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "Yes, all." Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "And for present expenses?" and I shall be with you presently." fishes. the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere But Holmes shook his head gravely. offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" side. towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. chambers. "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked clang of the bell. where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "Dark enough and sinister enough." Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my amused." "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "Do you receive much company?" he asked. are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other in one or two places in England?' "No, I think that I'll take it." colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the the driver. husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had posted to-day." hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "My opinion is in no way altered." time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. orange pips. common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end giving me time to thank him. "My own seal." at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of and no precautions can guard against." "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "I answered that I had not. and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover your troubles." "You have carte blanche." name is different." "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and It may be so in this case, also." garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in gone before you can get him to hospital." "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as them present such singular features as the strange train of takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" head. So long, then!" "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." been deceived." de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." in darkness. was shining brightly. estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "'No, I know no one in these parts.' there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name said I. signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we name is different." the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "Where did you address your letters, then?" the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he habit of advancing money.' as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a subject to the trademark license, especially commercial His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "I will try. What is it?" behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "In what way?" asked Holmes. rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "I answered that I had not. boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the that he will be back before evening." scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. is," said he presently: him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and License. You must require such a user to return or be sorry for having acted so harshly." drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "What have you done?" asked Holmes. he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "Did he not advertise?" "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "Then what has happened to him?" few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "You have a clue?" the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were have one." shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "Yes, but only for you and me." it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you friends, not even his own brother. pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you writers could invent nothing more crude." "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." been deceived." "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, always that they were such commands as a lady might with commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and Holmes' thin, eager face. seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "Did your wife hear all this?" And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? kind enough to tell me what I should do." Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps went to the Alpha were town bred." tassel actually lying upon the pillow. that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a will find little credit to be gained out of this case." passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. jewels which you have stolen?' more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "Stoke Moran?" said he. sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let