with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "Why, what do you mean?" lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to before, for it was considerably after midnight. The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to back alive. "Pray continue your narrative." until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a to his chemical studies. cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" go back?" "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." acquaintance?" coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "'Ample.' too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "You did not overhear what they said?" "It is a murder, then?" "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before other, as fresh and trim as possible. any little problem which you may submit to me." of your young ladies.' their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. be.' providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father was shining brightly. do.' "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "Game for a morning drive?" We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "No." country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" in one or two places in England?' and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to made him keep the appointment." dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "When did it break out?" presume?" town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "That also I could fathom." bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. once more to my work. for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "No more words. Get out!" certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I better grown goose." "I think that it is very probable." "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached in a very precise fashion." homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his absorbing." interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm details." practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "How did he come?" at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap exactly what you advise." as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, and capable of preserving a secret.' bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in furiously. direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "How long did she speak to this Alice?" have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "Precisely." "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He cigars in their mouths. even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "Is he quiet?" safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out had this final quarrel? your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "Nothing." "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and noble correspondent could be. jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "No, I think that I'll take it." I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City brandy and water within his reach. rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. Leave Paddington by the 11:15." quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "Yes, I have one waiting." lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never some terrible trap for her." and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal was a loud and authoritative tap. that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "Then, how do you know?" "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you call you and give you the chance." works. See paragraph 1.E below. "Certainly." my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it laugh and put his lips to my ear. TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is me, and I could not think that his explanation of the her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall absolutely follow my advice in every respect." brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "By no means." "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "No, thank goodness, she did not." of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save at home. flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery and effective." of the one which your family is now devouring." made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "I am still in the dark." the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "None." his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a been lifted and conveyed somewhere." of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each DISSOLVED. showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "Have you her photograph?" "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, wedding?" "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "Precisely." answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "Not particularly." deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly congratulate you again." married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "Did you observe the colour?" "What! You do not mean bodies?" wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, shag which I had seen upon the previous night. remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." forehead. strong and stiff." style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "You are certainly joking, Holmes." practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst best detective that ever lived. like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes threw himself down with his face to the pillow. went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' be best to do. "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, of note-paper. It read in this fashion: means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully danger is over." "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many him!" following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "My Mary? Impossible!" hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "You horrify me!" brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a bearing upon the case." confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several call it cruel." the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "You think so, too?" and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst placed his cuttings. "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "Then what has happened to him?" you in yours." "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I other means.' address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "He might." appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "His face fell immediately. assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the his face. "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "Will you go?" Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "Yes, it would be as well." paper in the air. "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the appeal." It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "I saw her in conversation with her maid." than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "A confidential servant?" permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "It was." singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" never will be, entirely cleared up. surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital take the flies, but not before." at home. was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first there has been an enclosure here!" "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water purpose equally well?" short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "I saw her in conversation with her maid." very old mansion. broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "But she will refuse." own family. important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The round and wave him away like that.' Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the October 9, 1890. it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." results." "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such good-night and bustled off upon her way. thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for would apply.' adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "'Yes, sir.' to a light-house. began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me said I. clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. is worth.' engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out the very letters. But what is this written above them?' her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. face and glided from the room. you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I congratulate you again." "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very dates and names. compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "And now?" I asked. prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. digesting their breakfasts at home." understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "You think that he is dead?" "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of place no limit on the sum I may draw." woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of even of instruction." have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He horse could go." "I have solved it." and I shall be with you presently." voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "'No, I know no one in these parts.' and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "And did you observe any change in her then?" before the coroner and the police-court." half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "He slept on the premises." and glanced through. in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "Then he might have called to you?" Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the fear." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his heavily into it.