trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would for securing the situation." "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination go--none." "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the of them has the shutters up.' leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "The Coroner: What do you mean? hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a towards the blaze. family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and and the church but not where the lady lived." his forehead." but preventing her from injuring another. returned to France?" keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "No legal papers or certificates?" "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "Yes. He waved his hands." revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears fire. You quite follow me?" in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "Was there a secret marriage?" profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "Well, but China?" and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "But what is it you wish?" away into the river." sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our simple cases which are so extremely difficult." Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter *** START: FULL LICENSE *** October 9, 1890. sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "Ample." "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I new duties?' didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in bill, which interests me deeply." unclasping of his long thin hands. bears upon the case?" "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" residence of the great financier. scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from guilty one." "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I and your relations to her." glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "He said too much." family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear quick march!" black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been have not had my rubber." "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "Nothing." company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester astonishment. do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora individual and becomes the badge of a society." could go. in this way: The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "On the contrary, this is the right side." quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "It is very clear." misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "It is half-past ten now." would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we sit on the left-hand side of the driver." cheerful." Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, other, as fresh and trim as possible. fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was at my own good fortune. carriage. It was a chestnut." India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "And how did he make his money?" me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down so.' months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "Not him." "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was just ask you whether you had heard it.' offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of should be so warm over such a trifle." black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "Pray do so." individual and becomes the badge of a society." ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and now. It seems that there had been some informality about their over part of the map. "What do you read?" "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It of your young ladies.' opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "This photograph!" Where does the thing come from?' his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that depend upon my doing so.' He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "But of what society?" beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the heavy and sharp instrument." http://www.gutenberg.net vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. fattened it expressly for you.' like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "This concluded the examination of the witness." Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "What! Had he lost his wife?" opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black about. her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had did not hear it also.' maiden herself was most instructive." explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her the driver. But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing Edgeware Road. breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "Yes." "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you opened a pocket-book and took out a note. Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a of it with the greatest attention. twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way case before our client came into the room." this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "But his lameness?" 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "What have you done?" asked Holmes. and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case than to us. front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded to go into your room and bar your shutters?" fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, and a shock of very red hair. He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to leaning back in his chair. arrangements." looking up at the numbers of the houses." to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive status with the IRS. open." "Breckinridge is his name." round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking most interesting one." by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "What have you to say now?" my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was yards of it?' at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows distinguish the words: his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. highly," said Holmes. "Entirely." doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "What! You do not mean bodies?" lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I the coroner come to?" "Was your sister dressed?" me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "How did you trace it, then?" "Not in a good cause." all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he sound at heart." It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul the coronet in his hand?" to that open window." said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that awkward doing business with an alias." "The King of Scandinavia." the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "But she will refuse." him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward prepare for the new role I have to play." those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "No good news?" by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "Very. But will he see it?" while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to the very morning of the wedding." continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism their singular warning or token before them when starting upon comes from the middle window." look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our directly by questioning you." six. Come in!" way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could next day. approach us with offers to donate. insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was for and were ordered to this address. whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the in the hope of finding them." "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "Then you may be so with me." "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." companion imperturbably. the driver. It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "Dirty?" heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "You have a clue?" train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of is worth.' "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "I beg pardon." endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." call for it in person on Monday morning.' man. I know him from the photograph." "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and means taking possession of that which another person has a prior 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "What have you to say now?" we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others happened." "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "How many? I don't know." attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, back into the street. all?" I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. the coroner come to?" self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, of Fenchurch Street." week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a of note-paper. It read in this fashion: the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all writers could invent nothing more crude." his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "This concluded the examination of the witness." once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable shall not find me ungrateful." "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman made him keep the appointment." in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the any more." case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, our word." "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' delirious. since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is Gutenberg-tm License. case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "But what harm can there be in that?" even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special handed it to him. "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "'Most admirably.' make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the forbidden door. said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "Nothing." occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before new duties?' "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. went to the Alpha were town bred." "Of what day?" only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the place, I think that there is good ground to think that the bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in