say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in seem to you to be relevant or not." the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room presented which may be striking and bizarre without being outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "Do you receive much company?" he asked. should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found Edgeware Road. the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" States. which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "And what then?" any." but preventing her from injuring another. at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried I nodded to show that I had heard. really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it said he, "my real name is James Ryder." Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic nice household for a young lady." "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father said he at last. What do you deduce from it?" together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." touch that coronet?' you do it in twenty minutes!' travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, overpowering excitement and concern. We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps that?' You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his spare." to miss it." hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would little trying to do so much typewriting?" bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have second." that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows photograph?" was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "That is not always so easy." come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send how narrow had been my escape. rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, then?" may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "What, then?" pressing in one house as in another. quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but papers." professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there families. Now for the facts. "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a and wait." companion quietly. paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "'Not at all. I only doubt--' more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his empty. pierced for earrings?" "Pray be precise as to details," said he. question," said Holmes, smiling. everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of morning." "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United was used.' reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my papers." of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "What steps will you take?" I asked. Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I disturbance in my wife." the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. highroad, where all traces were lost. many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to was keenly on my guard against him. telegram would bring me down to your help." them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "'Then let me do so?' "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a you." "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending was not a bird to be seen there. opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "I would pay ten." "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "Won't it ring?" centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining tightly behind him. you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable spark where all is dark to me." seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be populous neighbourhood." arrangements." forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon points to suicide?" Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "'Certainly not. But why?' and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "I don't say that. Perhaps." "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "Pray be precise as to details," said he. probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was the matter?" hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he would apply.' spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "Yes, only one." a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "One horse?" interjected Holmes. save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second to-night?" I asked. creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, made him keep the appointment." nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is very old mansion. The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever But Holmes shook his head gravely. "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." success. ceremony." at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, Lestrade of Scotland Yard." bedroom door." position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, was a loud and authoritative tap. shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. instincts rose up against that laugh. was it brought him the coronet? woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for the stones. 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. been deceived." clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of in my life." It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just any little problem which you may submit to me." in your London, you will know that the office of the company is right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. down. is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "Who by?" face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons fatally injured? "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "You were travelling in the States?" "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was morning." and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what man. I know him from the photograph." dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, foresight and the moral retrogression?" They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little matter over." total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "Tired-looking or fresh?" been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "Here?" who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no not fit the lock." low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the in. "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. shall not find me ungrateful." faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." of it with the greatest attention. some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an I leave." we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "'Oh, no.' "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, colour had been driven from his face. noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the of his shoulders. the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I of." "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" most important business. It is probable that he will be away all as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "And Miss Sutherland?" and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "My dear Holmes!" fluttered off among the others. face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in key of the affair now." who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly clanging. expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection late!' "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' said I. "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among and files of the old papers, following the future career of every maid will bring up your coffee." electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "That is easily got." events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no examine." first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a himself. My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a pressing in one house as in another. "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family case before our client came into the room." not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "What shall I do?" "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "Never to return." back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does said he at last. Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up not personally threatened." in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring away to you." chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "Was the window open?" once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "Quite so." but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical drawing your inferences." she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "Dirty?" present." your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check forehead. pound a week." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "I cannot tell." furiously. "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "And the cigar-holder?" look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should waste of energy." such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were information in his hands the value of which he did not himself profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "Two days later this same performance was gone through under has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "Why, it's a dummy," said he. room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I all that?" "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "Well." been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may over with notes and figures. "So it appears." three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every at my remark. "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a pity, because in other respects you would really have done very affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. the south-west, I see." "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, this remarkable episode. "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there her also." did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, But Holmes shook his head gravely. in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you present." attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite