cheerful." "'It is locked up,' I answered. years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange tell him that I know him to be innocent." not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." place, I think that there is good ground to think that the stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done points to suicide?" "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "To ruin me." Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in that the gas is not laid on in his house?" went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "No, I think that I'll take it." not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "But how will you look?" active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his name is different." hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "No bad?" here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the burst out into a roar of laughter. against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "Very truly yours, I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end narrative." remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an Holmes' face clouded over. state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the easy-going way." His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "My dear Holmes!" been lifted and conveyed somewhere." prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are to go into your room and bar your shutters?" his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not and looked back. the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something in him." the address that was given us in the advertisement. someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "No?" those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," not, dad?" she asked. "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "'You doubt its value?' he asked. direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "I have come for advice." "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, strong reason behind." my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "Where to?" "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. records." "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to helping a boy to put up the shutters. leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with golden eyeglasses. "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "Yes, that is the Crown." exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave she has been waylaid. There has been no result." suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and if she died from some sudden fright." age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one my room." of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his society." passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally about. better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "I think that it is very probable." for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "'About the same.' this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "What then?" to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which and glanced through. off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me think that any burglar could have done. about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of had picked up in the wood. "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." that he will be back before evening." some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such back to my heart. it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, maid will bring up your coffee." conclusions. sufficient punishment." you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "'How far from the body?' attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "I have seen the police." I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "You forget that I know nothing about it." "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She all-comprehensive glances. a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused noble correspondent could be. out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "And how did you find out?" until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "Imitated." of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many I think that I could be of assistance to you." until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and once more to my work. a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other were unconscious?" Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "What can it mean?" I gasped. round with crates and massive boxes. protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our Surrey." importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came miles off. the warnings." squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "I am sure." in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped prison!" "There is the writing." We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the lumber-room." in the port of London." re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "And I to find an enemy." Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and obstinate." like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look me what he had done with the three missing stones. always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "That's no good." him to go away.' plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously ready to-morrow?' "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "'Not at all. I only doubt--' unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "Pray be precise as to details," said he. strength." the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an jewels which you have stolen?' the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too that you wished to speak to me?' family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "How long did she speak to this Alice?" this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when your co-operation." really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner to a light-house. have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. and glanced through. "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "'Yes, it was gone.' "There is the writing." time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "'A dozen yards or so.' as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying foresight and the moral retrogression?" "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "BALLARAT." used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I answer." analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. never to learn it at all." "'What then?' I asked. "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all persecution?" "Only as much as we can deduce." and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, the ceiling. walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "'You cannot say what it was?' stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and memory. Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even seven miles from Eyford Station.' age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "I will, Miss Turner." unprofitable." not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "'What then?' I asked. "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "'I have heard so.' my friend's incisive reasoning. in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, opened a pocket-book and took out a note. for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his at a side door. comes from the middle window." very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "And did you observe any change in her then?" reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts upon the sideboard." "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "Pray do so." woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In gentleman's clothes. this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and there were so many in the whole country as were brought together IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "Perhaps I have." "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted events, Mr. Windibank!" The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior strong reason behind." the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of six. Come in!" To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "I cannot tell." Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling he died? along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the think that any burglar could have done. pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line appeared upon the scene." my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "Very. But will he see it?" "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "I was mad--insane." Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that