"To an English lawyer named Norton." could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before round and wave him away like that.' unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "It looks newer than the other things?" accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, ceremony." facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "Look there!" said he. time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at empty. away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual Surrey." "ARAT," I read. master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper companion. to surprise her." then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side tell me that you intended to go into harness." Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. The King stared at him in amazement. "What do you make of that, Watson?" built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "That is easily got." One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "That's no good." time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have James Windibank. Voilà tout!" over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which 1.F. "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, generous with you in money matters.' out of this horrible affair." children over to America with him, so that I found myself without tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or Holmes' thin, eager face. "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "BALLARAT." someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "Then I do not see the point." the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I purpose of examination. Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of that he will be back before evening." his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is what is your own theory as to what took place?" Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "Was he the only applicant?" in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was eavesdroppers?' "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and companion imperturbably. Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "To the police?" Watson," he said cordially. did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my chair. self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is instituted." "It is possible." (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, kind enough to tell me what I should do." "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "Ten will be early enough." could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the Gutenberg-tm License. "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the important." side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "Come in!" said Holmes. from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my in this way: offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "I say that I have solved it." Pope's Court. my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "But you have hopes?" The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "And the cigar-holder?" envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" little trying to do so much typewriting?" "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I colour had been driven from his face. "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my standing smiling on the door-step. time." "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must despair." "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "Then what has happened to him?" deduce something from that?" confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" orange pips. 'please.'" Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, question," said Holmes, smiling. study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have your troubles." better in every way that they should make their position a little The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that shag which I had seen upon the previous night. Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to better grown goose." work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "I have solved it." widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad mystery!" 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. geese which you supplied to the Alpha." an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a Gutenberg-tm License. Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "You have it, sir, just as it happened." compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "I never have." of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no annoyance, but no jest. the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy forehead. "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "What have you done?" asked Holmes. details should find their way into the papers. Inspector had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did lumber-room." "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "What have you to say now?" populous neighbourhood." "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The me have 200 pounds?' had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not quite distinctive." "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a Mary, has deserted me." "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "Ample." its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this the nursery. Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "My private note-paper." he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New cause to be." "Yes." pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up be there in time for your coming." "To the police?" He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to business in the City. She little knew what. has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "What do you make of that, Watson?" investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection The police have openly confessed that they can at present make rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been second window is the one that I jumped from." its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The families. Now for the facts. the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. and have this put in the evening papers." "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to indeed which he could not unravel. paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about himself to tell his story. overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you words came to my lips. prisoner's face. her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but tail." the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "I cannot as yet see any connection." "My dear Holmes!" As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "Then he might have called to you?" it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend shall not find me ungrateful." analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "Always." "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "Why, it's a dummy," said he. and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." country, and eventually married, without anyone having a back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great time." Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent Eyford at 11:15.' agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study get the tickets." to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' when you have done it." "'Which dealer's?' "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said question. obstinate." which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "If I can be of use." tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, there is a decided draught." make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker used to be." nothing of it?" you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope cup of tea. "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." is so. I know all about McCarthy." all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "Do you go out much in society?" written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and is acting for the best. Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which lectures into a series of tales." had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "'As governess?' impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "And who is her maid?" "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "'I am sure that I do not know.' adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." and wait." moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. been shamefully used." standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "And why in hopes?" handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the there when the Rucastles went away." "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." burst out into a roar of laughter. the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project emerged. freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "That sounds a little paradoxical." would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, thought that she would have been so carried away." course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "Yes." "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at have one." to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "No, but the enclosure is." revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the views." "Where, then?" The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this in a very precise fashion." years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of