"'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "What steps will you take?" I asked. it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits fatally injured? thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out to arrive at through this?" you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, It may be so in this case, also." "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to the bottom.' Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "The gentleman I describe." frequently gained my first real insight into the character of enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my 'I should be able to look after that for you.' fire. You quite follow me?" Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George questionable one." there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to spark where all is dark to me." place no limit on the sum I may draw." the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against mystery may be cleared along those lines." "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's thin legs towards the fire. "No, my brougham is waiting." would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "May I see it?" years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now recover the gem." question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start the warnings." "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "I beg pardon." Leave Paddington by the 11:15." wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as have I gained?" from the brougham. mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "She told me to ask you." you found me to-night--and running through the front room she which our visitor detailed to us. watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the opened a pocket-book and took out a note. Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is was a perfect sample of the class. nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "Where, indeed?" matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "Why serious?" Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project do.' of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out house for five minutes.' round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe records." reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "Then I am your man." these bleak autumnal evenings." the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. forecastle of an emigrant ship. confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" companion quietly. He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that the stable lane now." companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, details should find their way into the papers. Inspector bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "Always." "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who more solid." "'What then?' I asked. from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "It certainly sounds feasible." be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal copied or distributed: any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "Was he the only applicant?" has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake at my remark. are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the gbnewby@pglaf.org an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "On the contrary, this is the right side." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in morning." "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the you came in." battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." public press." taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "'I shall certainly be there.' it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "The King of Scandinavia." papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before companion. "Yes, sir." "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention to take care of herself." You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his should be so warm over such a trifle." walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in if only as a check to my own memory." have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It foot. town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "Of what?" have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. tear off another piece?' firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "'I have heard so.' characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "I was mad--insane." be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view noting anything else of interest. humiliation." The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in to-night." husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "What do you mean?" week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact tied." "I am sure." education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "9th. McCauley cleared. "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "The doctor?" that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in Does that suggest anything?" for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." one which it was hard to resist. was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, upon the shelf for the interim." which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "Yes." "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you you?" Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the it right.' your equipment. it were putty." dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work pictures, libraries, or plate. spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what ourselves in the office." and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just humiliation." brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a Pope's Court. "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever triumphant cloud from his cigarette. happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which wall." "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "And sit in the dark?" "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. to-night." "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had drove away. I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the any more." ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three 'please.'" front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the as this. Pray let me have the details." had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "Never to return." "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "A client, then?" have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and the coronet in his hands?" same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the this remarkable episode. would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! I. creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "One horse?" interjected Holmes. Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible me." very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is empty. He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet McCarthy." this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that suggested at once that there must be a communication between the cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt them?" in your London, you will know that the office of the company is a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of unclasping of his long thin hands. "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "You know me, then?" way in." view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible door?" down from London to inquire more deeply into it." as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and Pool. "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. into the room. wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in and a shock of very red hair. redistribution. and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and it with his own hands." "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such he. "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, breakfast." caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "What! Had he lost his wife?" green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would was a perfect sample of the class. "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the eat it." Doctor, of the paper and the date." fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my locked." these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the clang of the bell. better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." people in all walks of life. back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "So it appears." what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. at my remark. very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my you do it in twenty minutes!' my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what guilty one." "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a cheerful." "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and notes," he said. will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "9th. McCauley cleared. sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "To the police?" occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The daring than any effort of the imagination." precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a morning." thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "What steps will you take?" I asked. had listened with the greatest concentration of attention.