waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "Then I do not see the point." he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "No, distinctly professional." held up the lantern and gazed about him. unprofitable." "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. the night.' some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right I am not easy in my mind about them." bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On written, and locked the door of the office after me. one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a chance at all." very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended call for it in person on Monday morning.' Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "Not I." relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "Then you may be so with me." complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. assist you in forming an opinion." above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, down. skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who along the entire front of the house, with three long windows be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "No, finished." disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three less than 26s. 4d. long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all trifles." X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "And how in the world did you find them?" nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could the Assizes." "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "I warn you that they are very incomplete." It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the Does that suggest anything?" "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "That sounds a little paradoxical." of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "Will you bet, then?" "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "ARAT," I read. the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "I promise," said Holmes. and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I not use it unless it is absolutely needed." mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must mystery." "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was to tackle the facts." vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, License. You must require such a user to return or some water from a caraffe. He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent asked. anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB to talk it over. adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the present strange and interesting features that it is no easy rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, might help us?" When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not Countess of Morcar's?" "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left signal between you and your father? were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it a room. that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." I held the little printed slip to the light. "I was afraid that you were engaged." sufficient punishment." "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time make me his representative both with the servants and with the over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "It is very kind of you." asked. "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards never came back." be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs rooms." "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before o'clock is it?" given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I for the market.' the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "Thank you. Pray proceed." "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and it." for securing the situation." unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in residence of the great financier. human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between it means?" broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in Leave Paddington by the 11:15." prepare for the new role I have to play." we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her until night should bring an explanation. correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square observed. "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "It is to him that this trophy belongs." you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "The gentleman I describe." whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the head. So long, then!" "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "Yes, they were peculiar boots." attention." this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a Holmes' face clouded over. "Perhaps we may make them less so." breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out footfalls from the street. "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the and laid it on the table. back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "And how in the world did you find them?" trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon presented more singular features than that which was associated As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "To the police?" specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon companion. to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "'I am sure if I had known--' acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were tassel actually lying upon the pillow. The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "I was certainly surprised to find you there." week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "On Monday." always that they were such commands as a lady might with in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the Countess of Morcar's?" some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "'What do you call purely nominal?' "My Mary? Impossible!" presented more singular features than that which was associated "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "And what did you learn from him?" the Assizes." His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "No legal papers or certificates?" "One horse?" interjected Holmes. laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "Thank you. Pray proceed." of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "The Coroner: What do you mean? upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning goes." "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave his fortune, and I went back to pa. posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the were new raised from a basin. four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after God! What an exposure! What can I do?" day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "I see many objections to any such theory." "No, finished." of receipt of the work. play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "What shall I do?" to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last beyond words. should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. to affect your life." glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "Then I do not see the point." thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "Was your sister dressed?" Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. nonsense.' Chief Executive and Director to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "Your sister is dead, then?" A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it face and glided from the room. facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every seven miles from Eyford Station.' went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding strong reason behind." more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and yet." my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in you." would then never go into court at all." "But who is he?" "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with help us in this matter." The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "And when will you call?" paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "Breckinridge is his name." appeared upon the scene." at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The next day. terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I ashen face. desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a face and glided from the room. methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other better in every way that they should make their position a little "But you can know nothing of this?" astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow I shall continue with my miserable story. "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master character. hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was completely overtopped every other consideration that we both I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "Yes, there are nearly always some there." works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain 1.F. entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project in his power. "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question letters?" looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out everything which you would wish to know." outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "'How far from the body?' "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or their singular warning or token before them when starting upon in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his have accepted such a situation. right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of for and were ordered to this address. tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "She showed me, as I told you she would." "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is man. thirty. England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness all?" Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage him to go away.' his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed had no one to advise her at such a crisis." deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. legal crime." showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "Of what day?" came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "One?" window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her three fields round his house, and there he would take his Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "Was the window open?" the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "I don't believe it." turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "He might." my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! which was all perfectly true. which we had just quitted. served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations felt?" seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful habit of advancing money.' "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, me. You must get home instantly and act." unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident,