set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain felt?" "What then?" "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his bird of prey. known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the London for the present?" "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end careless servant girl?" Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for presented which may be striking and bizarre without being It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an and capable of preserving a secret.' "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "I am sure." "He said too much." lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or in a very precise fashion." pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are recover the gem." younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were second." "Pray do so." until night should bring an explanation. some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. as the one I chose?' everything which you would wish to know." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, window when the police appeared." cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood narrative." "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. Serpentine Avenue. deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his morning." "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." outside. just called myself is not exactly my own." so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, happened." weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind if I call to-morrow?" "I have solved it." Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his front of me. after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive both be extremely obliged.' profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have it." much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But What do you deduce from it?" hardly wander." office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position other, as fresh and trim as possible. should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one one's self under obligations.' Stoke Moran." "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "What is it?" many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "Perfectly so." two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that me where it went to?" McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue know what is wrong with it.' relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "How do you know, then?" the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to man. "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is voice. I have it here in my museum." battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the hardly wander." way in." age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight mystery." running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and pierced for earrings?" "Game for a morning drive?" "The knees of his trousers." man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, points in connection with it which never have been, and probably entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any way: There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a an introduction to him?" came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "How on earth--" returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "It certainly sounds feasible." said Mr. Holder. very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to lectures into a series of tales." "Certainly." stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, next day. "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the hurried by. say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "'Entirely.' condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be the little opening for the ventilator is." and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, mysterious business." familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, pressing in one house as in another. future lives." into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "Did you become engaged then?" "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I directly by questioning you." "Your French gold?" had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "And what did you learn from him?" am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. business at Coburg Square is serious." "Where, then?" the side-table." photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the ready to-morrow?' pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "Thank you. And your address?" the one as in the other." manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "'Never.' "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, thin, with a long, sharp nose?" Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion was not a bird to be seen there. down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "Proceed, then." know what is wrong with it.' her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless tell him that I know him to be innocent." "Yes, all." "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out present strange and interesting features that it is no easy stammered. in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at strange features which were associated with the two crimes which something of him before." think you a quite exceptional woman." turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "Was she in good spirits?" "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "'Most admirably.' when your master had gone out." fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable closely." exactly what you advise." "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the other means.' there was no need for father to know." said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable locked. to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "Quite so. She has her freedom." allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "My Mary? Impossible!" "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might in a very precise fashion." "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. unprecedented a position." "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a room had already been engaged for us. inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was a good hundred miles off by now." "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the any." outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "Have you it here?" pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "And your father? Did you tell him?" what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not possible that we could bring him back to her? of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to one else, I think." aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might The King stared at him in amazement. of a light. of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the enter Dr. Roylott's room." "Holmes, the busybody!" 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." bell. Holmes whistled. the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "Pray let us have it, for all that." twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the goes." though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that and the colonel ushered me in. change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn outside." sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. more terrible than the truth. asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous searched, without anything being found which could incriminate destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "Deserted you?" they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From four million human beings all jostling each other within the "We have tried and failed." married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "That is it on the dressing-table." "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird front of me. we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." flock.' impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it will be renamed. against a man in the prime of life?" lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to was keenly on my guard against him. "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner is acting for the best. I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing knowledge of the world." errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "How long did she speak to this Alice?" collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the money should be paid at once.' grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "You will not go there first?" passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "Yes, all." conversation I have gathered that they have been married about anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." of campaign. or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who directors, with the result that you have seen." course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall which it had come upon my father." will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small into the room. thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." your own bird, so if you wish--" "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "And the cigar-holder?" his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her of Mr. Rucastle's." quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done matter over." One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, his knees, staring into the fire. "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "'What, the red-headed man?' flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "'I have already given you my word.' the ceiling. galvanised. swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." if she died from some sudden fright." is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I which it had come upon my father." and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "That is it on the dressing-table." "What, then?" "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "My photograph." The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "I say it is." entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly very old mansion. in your London, you will know that the office of the company is equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, careless servant girl?" ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend upon the white wrist. part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not clanging. "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, the warnings." and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. new duties?' the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the his forehead." "You have but to name it." father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my with her."