the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "Will you go?" "Absolutely none." scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and astonishment. but preventing her from injuring another. "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What disappearance of the bride.'" quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "And why in hopes?" rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to Gutenberg-tm License. "And what did you learn from him?" thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life client, rising. "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face and inquire as to the address." We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "Was she in good spirits?" "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "Who by?" remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to of his shoulders. than was visible to me." Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to interest. They are important, you understand, without being "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "Yes?" "And leave your case unfinished?" doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an and that he would see to anything that turned up. The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his purpose of examination. Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "'What do you call purely nominal?' 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "And on what day did he meet his death?" "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, that?' sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "No." Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "No, I had a dozen." that you saw all that I did." have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose suspect him." their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "Could he throw no light?" homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at official police." was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "Witness: Nothing definite. crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I have been better. It is all right." very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of you in yours." came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. sound at heart." without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. forbidden door. Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock character. but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon you in yours." iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "How are you getting on?" absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me nice household for a young lady." rooms." "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "I have come for advice." flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just she used." it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to For additional contact information: drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "And now?" He raised his hand. You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "Yes, only one." In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "And I." beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "You are all wrong." him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "Perfectly so." could go. time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill approach us with offers to donate. photograph?" without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance DAMAGE. His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "It is possible." had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "'Entirely.' bill, which interests me deeply." Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." it." speckled band?" "An accident, I presume?" Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of than to us. the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." writer." drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it fait accompli?" tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a salesman. "'About the same.' have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not light and attacked it." indiscretion." received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with within hail.' may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "Never to return." completely overtopped every other consideration that we both it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." gentleman's clothes. "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would results." shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a room. about here speaks of his kindness to him." brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "Awake, Watson?" he asked. public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed was shining brightly. quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and opportunities to fix the problem. go--none." of Mr. Rucastle's." had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the you do it in twenty minutes!' endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when conversation I have gathered that they have been married about rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "What! Had he lost his wife?" way in everything. actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "Was your sister dressed?" that he will be back before evening." "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every shall use the carriage to-night." "'What then?' I asked. "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "What is it?" What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you suddenly upon us." into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely closing the door. "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could I approached. purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. woman." turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "Yes, there are nearly always some there." Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with long narrative. "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal asked. sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me my friend's incisive reasoning. We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice drawing your inferences." been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "Were they all fastened this morning?" really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, that he will be back before evening." arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the to Leatherhead. second." Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a without a word or a look. possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some suggested at once that there must be a communication between the of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of and inquire as to the address." "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' chambers. "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, the dangers which encompass me." as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk only touch the interest." man. I know him from the photograph." beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are when you have done it." accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and then?" swore that no one else had been in the front room during the headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "One of his hands." to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where go from here to the Strand." made him keep the appointment." you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers I leave." "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "10th. John Swain cleared. narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not for the market.' Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that whole matter to your consideration." it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, him and tried to hold him back. with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "Certainly, madam." position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "Your presence might be invaluable." "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a with her." to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "And what did you see?" robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the Countess of Morcar's?" veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this affection." find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the about here speaks of his kindness to him." "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester question," said Holmes, smiling. "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the legal crime." searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "What of the rat, then?" squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. are, and they are waiting for us." of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties British peeress.'" Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "Dirty?" like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "We must have a cab." data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in in the port of London." "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have London for the present?" method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was what these perils are?" disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. purpose equally well?" like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when the nursery. in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have be there in time for your coming." is acting for the best. faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress detained." after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "Will you go?" going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and Sutherland. years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "Who by?" follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "You think that he is dead?" "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am been." house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not looking up at the numbers of the houses." "It was." certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present events than those which have happened in my own family." bird of prey. It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel way: "No. His orders were to stay in the house." the little opening for the ventilator is." pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular and the colonel ushered me in. of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I narrative." are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a noting anything else of interest. took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the his face which made him a very different person to the round, hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things clanging. "And on what day did he meet his death?" Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "Not in the least." "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "Absolutely?" heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize kindly on the shoulder. little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical be best to do. the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" look upon these things in a different way." back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "Is he quiet?" pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? is so. I know all about McCarthy." have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." said I. "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than ways including including checks, online payments and credit card while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. then?" became a certainty. the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "Dirty?" upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a