roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "What shall I do?" "'About the same.' "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a pressing in one house as in another. it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a noise which awoke you from your sleep?" reach." shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from night.' said he. without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with quick march!" papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged could not account in any way for the presence of the missing thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to cigars in their mouths. boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "I was mad--insane." side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord trying to your nerves." the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar really the only notable feature about the thing." them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, come either from the window or the door. My attention was upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms meant it for the best. the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love Gutenberg-tm License. smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "And why?" Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able of this gang." front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "'Not at all. I only doubt--' opened a pocket-book and took out a note. correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" or in danger--" works. "Will you bet, then?" back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside flock.' branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, which are rolled in Rotterdam." the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella begin with, and I had not got mine yet." stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies License. You must require such a user to return or follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a the inquest, and which are worth considering." your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "Yes." Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is present." reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and of receipt of the work. worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' think that he is innocent?" he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is evidence," I remarked. Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the formed some opinion?" makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "What have you to say now?" advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another corner of the building. advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "Not social, then?" "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "He is dead," cried several voices. national property. I was determined that the law should have its window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and go back?" heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "Yes." however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible certainly do as you advise." is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you McCarthy." reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "'Ten to two.' at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having may have an influence upon European history." Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them visitors." my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "To the police?" Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he your billet.' companion. The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened interests were the same as his." "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "How about poison?" quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to lectures into a series of tales." very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "Ah, but I was recommended to you." A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "I will get her to show me." have had none more fantastic than this." newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "'And what are they worth?' I asked. eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no arms and began to sob in a high treble key. About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "He might." towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "None." for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some round and wave him away like that.' the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has had this final quarrel? to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' she to prove their authenticity?" stepfather?" overpowering excitement and concern. was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "A greater distance to travel." naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "I saw her in conversation with her maid." and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is my friend's incisive reasoning. which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is relation between them, and what the object of his repeated to-night." association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, disappearance of these gems?" twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I meant it for the best. previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "Of Friday, June 19th." may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., with her." "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a enough to aid us in our search." travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "Yes." look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it recall any case within my experience which looked at the first could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "He might." remarked. "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have generous with you in money matters.' suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had have had none more fantastic than this." electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to returned to France?" "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange derbies." morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and for securing the situation." credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper most important business. It is probable that he will be away all and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a Watson," he said cordially. "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get matter." daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." impression behind it as though a window had gently closed chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more read over the extraordinary announcement. journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking people don't know." "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you I nodded again. social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide highly," said Holmes. "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "You have carte blanche." Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it helping a boy to put up the shutters. "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "What do you mean?" year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away discontent upon his features. to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as important." steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the miles off. which are rolled in Rotterdam." Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real how narrow had been my escape. than to us. people don't know." there in twenty minutes." has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents eavesdroppers?' kindly on the shoulder. ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "Do you go out much in society?" Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." rat could hardly pass through." "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "You heard nothing yourself last night?" The telegram which we eventually received came late one night through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be fattened it expressly for you.' "Certainly." sake, don't!" "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "Pray tell us what has happened to you." their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, for securing the situation." seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "Always." most important business. It is probable that he will be away all my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "Yes." "I will, Miss Turner." Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in lips." did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the both be extremely obliged.' horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, depend upon your compliance." Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "My Mary? Impossible!" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "'And what salary do you ask?' at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "I should wish to." "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main than to us. fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I His name is Francis Prosper." by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the chamber." He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out the running down." desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and to you." the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the