and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps upon an income of about 60 pounds." "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through stalked out of the room. creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a upon the shelf for the interim." cup of tea. think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with behind me. free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to shag which I had seen upon the previous night. Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was Holmes. "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some was a loud and authoritative tap. were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "But of what society?" "You think so, too?" all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or amused." building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for pierced for earrings?" following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "He is dead," cried several voices. that the gas is not laid on in his house?" income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "The gentleman I describe." I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" hand, madam?" to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our papers." self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for evidence," I remarked. "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a opportunities to fix the problem. and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon McCarthy's innocence. from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had all that?" initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped imbecility!" he cried. "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a like that before?" and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the congenial hunt. we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "In what way?" asked Holmes. uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate question," said Holmes, smiling. "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project of them has the shutters up.' Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "If I can be of use." seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary round with crates and massive boxes. the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "Was the window open?" "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his window when the police appeared." "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "I say it is." "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his than to us. go back?" enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "Because he was handy and would come cheap." my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, and no precautions can guard against." The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done lips." to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive is now desirous of getting those letters back." now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. taking in every detail of the apartment. even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that all that?" "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were down from London to inquire more deeply into it." determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming absolutely follow my advice in every respect." would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, to-morrow." "You will not go there first?" "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I which was all perfectly true. chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as simple cases which are so extremely difficult." he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could depend upon my doing so.' They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "Perhaps I have." get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and was lame." noble correspondent could be. the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we if only as a check to my own memory." "It came here." "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his and files of the old papers, following the future career of every from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "What do you mean?" loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "And you thought he was pulled back?" of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; remarked. of fine shops and stately business premises that they really years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out burst out into a roar of laughter. and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to The telegram which we eventually received came late one night it with his own hands." from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square more terrible than the truth. "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little himself in a perplexing position. to tell." comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "I came to find a friend." ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of him." ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "Yes, only one." address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "I should be immensely obliged to you." "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the could gather together that I was able to avert another public right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," true." months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "'I have already given you my word.' cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "Precisely so. But how--" "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." that before taking the final step I should like to submit the product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great should be so warm over such a trifle." The events in question occurred in the early days of my "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "Never to return." As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at read it out to me." Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the lost nothing by them." companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I notes," he said. and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "I saw her in conversation with her maid." alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "But I have heard all that you have heard." abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "Well, but China?" "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "Very. But will he see it?" smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. been deceived." mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable she to prove their authenticity?" remarked. impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm bare slabs of marble. great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On McCarthy." "Perfectly so." sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my ill-usage at the hands of fortune. round and wave him away like that.' felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "That is unusual in a young girl." alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, mysterious business." "Nearly eleven." Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "Then I shall certainly come." had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "I would pay ten." "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "I don't say that. Perhaps." "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right train.' "One of his hands." with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "And did you observe any change in her then?" A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own forecastle of an emigrant ship. nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "'There is a drive, then?' on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "I shall most certainly do so." against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "'Tell me all about it,' said I. to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the the warnings." true." contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I your co-operation." From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "You have carte blanche." populous neighbourhood." for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. Doctor, of the paper and the date." "But she will refuse." affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "Indeed! Whose, then?" "And that is--" Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is most important business. It is probable that he will be away all writers could invent nothing more crude." have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "None." far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could your room." you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "'Oh, no.' right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. sofa. This way, please!" round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I must be when I saw the door open.' "No." this as likely?" "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be how narrow had been my escape. "To an end?" into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I over with notes and figures. sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United and a shock of very red hair. fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "Yes, only one." surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I correct than the official force." you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of note?" "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his over with notes and figures. very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story signal between you and your father? desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked be. there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "Entirely." "'I have heard so.' for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "By no means." fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until charge against him will break down." caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with she has been waylaid. There has been no result." Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "I don't say that. Perhaps." drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "He said that you could solve anything." headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. your sleep?' grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "But your client--" "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade nothing of it?" a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying sparkled upon his finger. "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said Have you good authority for what you say?" With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "Perfectly so." metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the tied." but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "Why did you pick him?" better in every way that they should make their position a little "And I to find an enemy." the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good been with you?" set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as