"I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell Heh?' relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that thin, with a long, sharp nose?" My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "In the cells." saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what just called myself is not exactly my own." silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "Really! You surprise me." when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "Breckinridge is his name." and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might eat it." number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a His smile broadened. little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic detective. but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already cigars in their mouths. present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can your troubles." and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." mystery." thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see own family. Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "What of the rat, then?" all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at papers on the sundial.'" "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper enough to aid us in our search." his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "What of the rat, then?" just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" was not a bird to be seen there. "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who once more for Briony Lodge. comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco into her hand at the door and which lured her within their SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover States. of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "Do you go out much in society?" every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I coroner's jury." and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any side. "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you here and I will read it to you: means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure to me. forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "No." was a loud and authoritative tap. the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "Where did he live, then?" the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke during that time.' little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice that he will be back before evening." Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than the one as in the other." send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual like gravel from a pit.' "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of be.' all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "I cannot tell." off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "Nothing?" look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and evidence," I remarked. to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "But his left-handedness." why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the disappearance of the bride.'" poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "I was mad--insane." "But what is it you wish?" He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we the running down." statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our the driver. earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" locked. "My dear Holmes!" all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. round with crates and massive boxes. to go into your room and bar your shutters?" correct than the official force." "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "It was." "Certainly." with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had unprecedented a position." "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "I am following you closely," I answered. Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. troubles have been weighing upon his mind. quickly through a disagreeable task. has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, towards the blaze. a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing London for the present?" roused himself from his reverie. flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with taking in every detail of the apartment. an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised him and tried to hold him back. "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from present." clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever round with crates and massive boxes. of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than was used.' that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." out." to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "No good news?" as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would http://www.gutenberg.net and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, his huge brown hands. have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from shaken than I had ever seen him. "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural annoyance, but no jest. the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "No. What a strange idea!" and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began his huge brown hands. "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your following enigmatical notices: "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "I came to find a friend." "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "'And what are they worth?' I asked. hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It in a friendly supper." have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his the date of his supposed suicide." to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "I was afraid that you were engaged." do.' remarked. it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was him to be an active member of the medical profession." fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know his forehead." cigars in the box." bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over there were one or two details which were new to me. But the put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a The King stared at him in amazement. was the fact that his father should, according to his account, across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "At the wedding breakfast." jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "But you can know nothing of this?" King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "Come in!" said Holmes. Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, the iron safe, which he closed upon it. be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "I assure you that I am in your hands." the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "Dirty?" and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "And why in hopes?" the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "'As governess?' Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a legal crime." "And from a noble client?" with the outside air!" years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "I was afraid that you were engaged." "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "'There is a drive, then?' police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "No sign of it?" "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own meant it for the best. of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number Cross for the Continent." its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "He is dead," cried several voices. "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master already referred to. whatever might befall. "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of already referred to. "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of face and glided from the room. second." very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to I am not easy in my mind about them." "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, think that any burglar could have done. "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm pictures, libraries, or plate. crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch read over the extraordinary announcement. "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement is now desirous of getting those letters back." "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "I promise," said Holmes. consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently lumber-room." notes," he said. then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the charged with?" his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort presented which may be striking and bizarre without being all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "And I." "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "It is true that I have been generally successful." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own new acquaintance to Baker Street. I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in disappearance of these gems?" could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "What will you do, then?" to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or you understand?" him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "My opinion is in no way altered." Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could answer." save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "I say it is." all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "Not him." absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up sake, don't!" could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, generous with you in money matters.' "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "What is it?" what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "'I am sure if I had known--' Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another and inquire as to the address." always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "Get out!" said he. which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "It surprised me." very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would problems help me to do so." done what I asked you, Jones?" down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "'I am sure if I had known--' future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress wedding?" through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled to-night's adventure." you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose his forehead." do.' where we are going." conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which