your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. people in all walks of life. in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "He is still with you, I presume?" would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be it right.' waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of in your London, you will know that the office of the company is reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." and capable of preserving a secret.' presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, miles off. "You have it, sir, just as it happened." over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. only touch the interest." entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "'Yes, sir.' out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "'Why that?' I asks. life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "My own seal." upon the white wrist. that, and I came down." examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "No sign of it?" laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "Thank you. Pray proceed." perplexity from it to my illustrious client. look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "But not more so than I to find you." "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time business came to an end." trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At your most interesting statement." will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "9th. McCauley cleared. grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until annoyance, but no jest. "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "You have carte blanche." the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for forbidden door. no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "I cannot as yet see any connection." "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk union?" by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "And when will you call?" where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who weary and pale-looking. "You know me, then?" "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open presented which may be striking and bizarre without being entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "You know me, then?" considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit main points of my analysis." been shamefully used." managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "You will not go there first?" into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "I cannot as yet see any connection." highly," said Holmes. walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "We must have a cab." but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "Come in!" said Holmes. off." a good hundred miles off by now." "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with narrative." "And leave your case unfinished?" and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was with you?" "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever you." finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce way in everything. night.' said he. to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but most interesting one." "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, this man was intellectual?" "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his and I shall be with you presently." felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his of Mr. Rucastle's." hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I row." have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage floor. considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with Pope's Court, Fleet Street." Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide the stable lane now." in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was little trying to do so much typewriting?" signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "'Where to?' Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his skylight. it." has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "Her father is very rich?" and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "On the contrary, this is the right side." stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "Where to?" cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "How did that help you?" acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no from you?" has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "There are none." companion imperturbably. have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round it with his own hands." Gutenberg-tm License. the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to key of the affair now." phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears enter into my head. recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it Dr. Gregory B. Newby landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "It missed him, then?" whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. followed. "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "Pray do so." instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would infinite languor in his face. before the coroner and the police-court." "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer appeared upon the scene." hurried away. outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "Have you her photograph?" set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the one of the states of the Union." would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" matter." "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." pierced for earrings?" "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "And Miss Sutherland?" "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "No legal papers or certificates?" question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "Not in a good cause." with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "'Entirely.' morning." nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' without success. At last the little money which I had saved began with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "No." bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your of fine shops and stately business premises that they really us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, It may be so in this case, also." "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. Eyford." after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I habit of advancing money.' more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves could not have written that. It is the German who is so grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk assist you in forming an opinion." seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "Were they all fastened this morning?" impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "Dr. Becher's." which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "No, I think that I'll take it." clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," signal between you and your father? "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness with you alone." "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "My own seal." in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out lamp. helping a boy to put up the shutters. the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "You were travelling in the States?" light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit 1.F. the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had God! What an exposure! What can I do?" him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open and effective." We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police me have 200 pounds?' the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose used to be." my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt over here." Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "Yes." crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes shag which I had seen upon the previous night. usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "I should wish to." endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get together. the matter." stepfather?" other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your in this way: me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "No, I think that I'll take it." "An accident, I presume?" spark where all is dark to me." livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may eat it." think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he delirious. the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you the armchair which I pushed forward for him. It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "Where, indeed?" "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' question you as to those details which seem to me to be most right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "The Coroner: What do you mean? bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover is entirely a question of barometric pressure." for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found breakfast." the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "But his lameness?" received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. you found me to-night--and running through the front room she he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good own family. I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the iron safe, which he closed upon it. them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "Well." "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "Yes, there are nearly always some there." Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his Clair, of Lee." the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the Countess of Morcar's?" fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "You think that he is dead?" very morning of my second wedding." drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a