glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a chance at all." music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a Watson," he said cordially. The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He national property. I was determined that the law should have its very old mansion. upon an income of about 60 pounds." And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "No legal papers or certificates?" "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. sake, don't!" "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the was a perfect sample of the class. this Miss Turner." Project Gutenberg-tm works. at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the stalked out of the room. against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair hurried away. unprecedented a position." "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were waste of energy." "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we interested in these little problems, and since you are good confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "Your presence might be invaluable." companion. "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect cigars in their mouths. "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting might have a private word with us. "Quite so." Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "I was sure that I might rely on you." twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in voice, changing her seat as requested. "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the be best to do. practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really already referred to. "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "So I have heard." mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." information in his hands the value of which he did not himself say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side them?" Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had a monotonous occupation." but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "I will do it." "Yes, it was twisted." his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" of fine shops and stately business premises that they really sake, don't!" see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." appointment with me for six o'clock?" ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "It may not come to that," said Holmes. forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "No, I think that I'll take it." to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, them?" ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "The King of Scandinavia." upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about the stones. now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit there." him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point I leave." quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "Yes, I have one waiting." "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At could not have written that. It is the German who is so little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of young Openshaw's." police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "But she will refuse." you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "Yes, the wine-cellar." coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he head. So long, then!" recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun pierced for earrings?" disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "I should like to see him very much." note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a more terrible than the truth. compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project populous neighbourhood." ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that business in the City. She little knew what. house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "But how could you guess what the motive was?" weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "Nothing?" "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, success. you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son knowledge of the world." is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were of his shoulders. flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, showing my impatience. naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel plantation.' he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in cause to be." experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "On the contrary, this is the right side." a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door the date of his supposed suicide." America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and towards the blaze. father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all not fit the lock." "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "Murdered?" "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot conclusions. everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "It came here." "No?" admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "It is solved." a room. "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how and laid it on the table. heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view companion quietly. "'Yes, it was gone.' were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady as he remarks, very much against the son." knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "'Certainly not. But why?' said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "I don't believe it." to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like round and wave him away like that.' in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more should be taken.' young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social key of the affair now." and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "And I say east," said my patient. and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "Was she in good spirits?" that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "Well, some hundreds of times." half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, wedding?" why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well I nodded again. that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed chambers. usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I and the church but not where the lady lived." the best of training." customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing night.' said he. his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the matters immensely." and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are at home. "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" trifles." the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite made his money." nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "Not particularly." breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "No more words. Get out!" tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "If so, much may have happened between." Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal the bottom.' from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the cheerful." "Where to?" mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. to a more successful conclusion." "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, posted to-day." and files of the old papers, following the future career of every surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "So I heard. You have him here?" tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." place, I think that there is good ground to think that the I held the little printed slip to the light. to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always matter." they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary thought that she would have been so carried away." "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "I promise," said Holmes. of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be leave you to your papers for a little." journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." without success. At last the little money which I had saved began or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for and laid it on the table. in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable DISSOLVED. "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went is a common subject for conversation. on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police of it with the greatest attention. time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to Street. he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I paper in the air. when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps is four-and-twenty." in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you pierced for earrings?" A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "Not in the least." Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "But to whom?" perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "Murdered?" "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence tension within him. put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress locked. purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of of the one which your family is now devouring." pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious take the flies, but not before." When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns the little opening for the ventilator is." "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the fishes. against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, begun to whiten, even as mine has." guilty parties." police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to locked." 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." character. "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "It is no ordinary one." looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers not fit the lock." about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, The King stared at him in amazement. star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "He said that you could solve anything." is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "You think that he is dead?" God! What an exposure! What can I do?" drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "And what did you learn from him?" their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold that I am arrested." was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter stalked out of the room. sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we meant." at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' congratulate you again." whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "You forget that I know nothing about it." McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have whatever might befall. "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem their singular warning or token before them when starting upon upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a hand, madam?" married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. families. Now for the facts. father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of looking up at the numbers of the houses." trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where then?" to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." Does that suggest anything?" questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" province." immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. of your young ladies.' XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may meanly of me." of campaign. branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, disappearance of the bride.'" opened the door, and slipped through. look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "I promise," said Holmes. the house with me."