are windows in it, of course?" "Yes." going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to upon a handsome competence. that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the me." "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I good for you to do.' secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the unprecedented a position." in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "Yes." George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. prove to be little relation between the different incidents of undoubtedly my uncle's." established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front were new raised from a basin. letters?" remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their was a lad." over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains through." hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, must compliment you." reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." were unconscious?" flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its through." should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his who was a member of your goose club." delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "Precisely." "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow was shining brightly. George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" your room." slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." only touch the interest." have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "What are they?" governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." an introduction to him?" as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "So it appears." call the police, let the police find what they can.' waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from several quiet little villages up there." "No, thank goodness, she did not." Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "To an English lawyer named Norton." was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he promised to bring home. fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "And I say east," said my patient. you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "Bought." "Yes, only one." License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the wedding?" The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "I have my revolver," said I. platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "The rest you will leave in our hands." as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my business in the City. She little knew what. not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the weapon." comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience promised to bring home. find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great way in everything. places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "I came to find a friend." skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible newspaper selections." to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both yet." its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "I will, Miss Turner." 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "Certainly." ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my new acquaintance to Baker Street. hand, madam?" in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "But your client--" assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage highly," said Holmes. permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into perplexity from it to my illustrious client. country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "'There is a drive, then?' serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and said he. believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I memory. "I cannot imagine." sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading should be so warm over such a trifle." assist you in forming an opinion." with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, see a sister of mine apply for." the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a dates and names. subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled disappearance of these gems?" after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, enter Dr. Roylott's room." over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but handed it to him. was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer dear old homesteads?" whole matter to your consideration." might help us?" "You saw the ventilator, too?" There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much chance at all." Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "How are you getting on?" lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "Pray do so." side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the house for five minutes.' person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, strode off upon his way. singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "Will you bet, then?" looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "Yes, only one." luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" salesman. my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "It surprised me." of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could already referred to. then?" together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My observed. "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "At the wedding breakfast." at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "Pray be precise as to details," said he. presented which may be striking and bizarre without being If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the and looked back. step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "And now?" He raised his hand. yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I in this note: "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my test if we have an answer to our advertisement." quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads him nearly every evening." deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his matter." door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing mystery!" did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a where Mr. Fordham shows you.' The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the arrangements." explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for conceal it?" "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. of it with the greatest attention. Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, tail." into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out chamber." your own bird, so if you wish--" with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was bled considerably." "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "'You doubt its value?' he asked. Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a it right.' "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "I know where it is." weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "I have my revolver," said I. and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside knowledge of the world." again on its way. "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his call you and give you the chance." "How did he come?" "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "Then I shall certainly come." branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your cigars in their mouths. one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "No. His orders were to stay in the house." the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, upon the sideboard." were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "Certainly, madam." look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." in the dead of the night?' surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to that before taking the final step I should like to submit the retorted upon me, and I on you." didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight fatally injured? very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "'And the work?' "I will, Miss Turner." card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he did not hear it also.' more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but relation between them, and what the object of his repeated to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "But she could not love him." casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was shoulder; "he's all right." "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be 'please.'" ventilator." was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "She will not sell." think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that developed." any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a you do it in twenty minutes!' "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "How did you deduce the select?" fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without delighted to hear it," he said. I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "No legal papers or certificates?" "You were travelling in the States?" offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "So I heard. You have him here?" thin, with a long, sharp nose?" will find little credit to be gained out of this case." nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "Thank you. Pray proceed." already referred to. Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "The gentleman I describe." "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we leave you to your papers for a little." and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an and laid it on the table. any more." his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa seen the man in the road." how narrow had been my escape. the matter?" a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and depend upon your compliance." room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he Holmes. "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "Certainly." the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged certainly do as you advise." "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed conclusions. "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up London for the present?" "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "Dark enough and sinister enough." sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could that he has suffered." I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and questionable one." these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the opportunities to fix the problem. me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor simple cases which are so extremely difficult." coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a over here." As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, might have a private word with us. foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and for securing the situation." "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her would apply.' when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea place no limit on the sum I may draw." Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the