weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a look upon these things in a different way." "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a have not had my rubber." prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "And I say east," said my patient. off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier Eyford." "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "But of what society?" "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "Never." no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very brain must have something in it." gentleman's clothes. eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement nonsense.' "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "What do you mean?" first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition of them has the shutters up.' editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "I will not look." help us in this matter." better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock exactly what you advise." prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "In what way?" asked Holmes. her also." Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "I should like to see him very much." extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "I saw her in conversation with her maid." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left attention." were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and enough to aid us in our search." the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "'I shall certainly be there.' have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon the matter." But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried his fortune, and I went back to pa. "'A dozen yards or so.' know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer will he say when he returns?" would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of was once confined in the cab my mission was practically me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my existence." strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some the house with me." "In the cells." "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "Did your wife hear all this?" and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it Holmes rather sternly. brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB and inquire as to the address." actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "She told me to ask you." fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that of Mr. Rucastle's." should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "Yes, it would be as well." believe that I should never have any practice at all. foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring to you." so far?" papers must be those that are destroyed.' and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you least a fellow-countryman. "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with your sleep?' time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. *** START: FULL LICENSE *** tail." came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of to-night?" I asked. about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "Nothing?" "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his off." "I was sure that I might rely on you." was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "And what did you learn from him?" thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "No legal papers or certificates?" where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and there in twenty minutes." "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a DAMAGE. to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be writer." silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "That is also quite modern," said the lady. home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "'Where could I find him?' the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite fire. You quite follow me?" ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a business in the City. She little knew what. "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just client, rising. least a most suspicious remark." Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was or other trace. But how on earth--" of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "How did that help you?" Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and meanly of me." the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "I promise," said Holmes. The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough populous neighbourhood." might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very golden eyeglasses. nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose My friend smiled. trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She into her hand at the door and which lured her within their husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had be. photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but said he. should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler spare." make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him sooner or later she must fall a victim. the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You really the only notable feature about the thing." decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has events, Mr. Windibank!" Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of habit of advancing money.' in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "What will you do, then?" find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." gone before you can get him to hospital." was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with begun to whiten, even as mine has." "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, foresight and the moral retrogression?" turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson strong reason behind." the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "'Ample.' "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a British peeress.'" And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "And when will you call?" "Yes, he did." my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up started for the Temple to see my husband. from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the should be so warm over such a trifle." "Have you it here?" passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "And how did you find out?" like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I shall use the carriage to-night." "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "'Ample.' "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the me have 200 pounds?' Doctor, of the paper and the date." is so. I know all about McCarthy." If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project one which it was hard to resist. is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of The summons was a brief and urgent one. dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Frequently." As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' locked. along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, might have a private word with us. every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "The gentleman I describe." had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do if only as a check to my own memory." was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "But he might be a bachelor." "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "Oh, fresh and glossy." point in the dark hollow of his hand. relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George and files of the old papers, following the future career of every The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door of this gang." "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "Yes." cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the Stoke Moran." interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I entirely lost his self-respect." pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular which it had come upon my father." her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "Yes, certainly." "It must be recovered." week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a door?" read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "If so, much may have happened between." you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. your only hope of safety." and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an wedding?" "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a one of them." such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "The doctors examined her for it, but without success."