place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "What is it, then--a fire?" interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it chance." "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning one of the states of the Union." "It is no ordinary one." James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "'Then let me do so?' closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "ARAT," I read. work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a them present such singular features as the strange train of street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." gentleman's clothes. public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a meanly of me." "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and the ceiling. of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found License. You must require such a user to return or Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern McCarthy's innocence. Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or you, my dear young lady?' doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." very old mansion. Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "I am sure." "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "I am all attention, madam." He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded beyond words. "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on all-comprehensive glances. IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, ill-usage at the hands of fortune. your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I were unconscious?" the bottom.' and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the him to be an active member of the medical profession." hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "You have compromised yourself seriously." him and tried to hold him back. "Look there!" said he. opportunities to fix the problem. serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in it right.' introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "'Certainly not. But why?' opened the door, and slipped through. right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. danger is over." particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "'Never,' said I. seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" became a certainty. son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever details should find their way into the papers. Inspector the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon new duties?' "It is no ordinary one." springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "You did not overhear what they said?" "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two look upon these things in a different way." I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very had picked up in the wood. some mystery and the punishment of some crime." Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger voice, changing her seat as requested. woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency detective. seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "'You cannot say what it was?' predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he points to suicide?" it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "The murder was done with it." The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very there is a decided draught." prison!" "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a that you saw all that I did." you for a few hours?" afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "From his hat?" "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "Where, then, is my wife?" used to be." God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all questionable one." which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "'What are you doing there?' he asked. Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him became a certainty. becomes even more simple." however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in Holmes' room. gentleman's clothes. the one as in the other." "But his lameness?" must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she so.' him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That might have a private word with us. "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "I have seen the police." was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in question," said Holmes, smiling. however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "By no means." keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project conclusions. maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose with her." attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in your Highness to the police-station?" "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little written. some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless events, Mr. Windibank!" into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out with some details as to your case." Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "No, I had a dozen." points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "To the police?" "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "Very much so." exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' my room." of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in once more. "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one of your young ladies.' Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "Really! You surprise me." "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked there were one or two details which were new to me. But the permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and digesting their breakfasts at home." been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all little adventures." "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not up this clue while it is still hot." never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington some terrible trap for her." I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, sake, don't!" here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "I fear not." think you a quite exceptional woman." detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "One of the highest in England." As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "Yes, the wine-cellar." the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer reach." not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment stood on the top of it. "It is possible." is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "Yesterday." mysterious end." "Perhaps I have." "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a awkward doing business with an alias." "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of page at http://pglaf.org with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "Of what day?" he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "She will not sell." of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "How are you getting on?" their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "Very well, sir. And this stone?" myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "Oh, the cause is excellent!" could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "Nothing?" "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." unclasping of his long thin hands. "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "But you can know nothing of this?" more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." too. dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. heavily into it. the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose forebodings. have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to which was all perfectly true. hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between been with you?" 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. them?" "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "'Never,' said I. and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "Well?" "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had not come at once?" more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" bare slabs of marble. it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed true." that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "You have a clue?" slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "Well, but China?" http://gutenberg.net/license). from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "Then I do not see the point." "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It recall any case within my experience which looked at the first chamber." Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until the little opening for the ventilator is." Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never second window is the one that I jumped from." tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "'Certainly not. But why?' the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "I have solved it." to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "Then, as to money?" Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "Yes." the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he been deceived." were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable at once, for I have only half an hour." better in every way that they should make their position a little may have an influence upon European history." intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake and the whole place is in a blaze." season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "Will you go?" his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "An accident, I presume?" you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of sufficient punishment." every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, the ceiling. in my life." suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. occurred." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the depend upon my doing so.' provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, the roots. upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "'About the same.' examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "'Certainly not. But why?' would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want my former friend and companion. the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed unclasping of his long thin hands. "Quite so. She has her freedom." edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "Is he quiet?" uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "Will you bet, then?" have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I throat." "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the Sholtos." A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "Precisely." She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, over part of the map. "What do you read?" orange pips. the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "A thing like a cleaver," said he. you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! disappearance of the bride.'" "We have tried and failed." arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is and it need not interfere very much with one's other