He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "How often?" "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I past. "Well?" "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a girl said." closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all and effective." The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "I am to be neutral?" at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the heavy and sharp instrument." think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "It is possible." on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "The best possible." to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for his face. possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for despair." "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, legal crime." remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "No good news?" look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we questionable one." themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I there!' little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "Ample." however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced than was visible to me." corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "My dear Holmes!" "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations said he. scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was weapon." the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the for its centre. far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get present." wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The chance." ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the vanished into the darkness. foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We the coroner come to?" nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and meant it for the best. out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I opportunities to fix the problem. 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire that, and I came down." that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "The vanishing of the lady." say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid the King without delay." may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons footfalls from the street. Holmes. drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are becomes even more simple." "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the have been better. It is all right." while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those bears upon the case?" within hail.' those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. was the fact that his father should, according to his account, maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. opportunities to fix the problem. In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as it? Did I buy the geese off you?" photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "Certainly." behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method young Openshaw's." "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and here." us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant your room." perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to for the market.' Literary Archive Foundation would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet me. that you saw all that I did." "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "But what will you do?" solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "Well, but China?" "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "And did you observe any change in her then?" "Do you know him?" the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "Where, then, is my wife?" can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, shoulder; "he's all right." feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, http://www.gutenberg.net roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen desk. "'A dozen yards or so.' He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "What?" face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been the so-precious time, but come!' burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of down in his armchair and closing his eyes. this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "My stepfather's business papers." "The knees of his trousers." strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings our word." "I have a cab outside." Leave Paddington by the 11:15." closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The bird of prey. much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting see me here to avoid scandal." vault. whole matter to your consideration." settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." he died? shaken than I had ever seen him. black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly our word." abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "None." any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "'Never.' month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his for securing the situation." explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official room. "My opinion is in no way altered." get the tickets." data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "That is also quite modern," said the lady. attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My minor matters until to-morrow." "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "Why? What do you mean?" "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "BALLARAT." which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. bird I ate is country bred." was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "Nothing." "Yes. He waved his hands." "A thing like a cleaver," said he. you?" no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses charged with?" tied." expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." and files of the old papers, following the future career of every how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that in the port of London." suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. sit on the left-hand side of the driver." upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was present." "Has he come with you to-night?" age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the man. be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "From his hat?" business." across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "I am to be neutral?" madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' his grey eyes. which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are dead, shall be safe with us." was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "But how did you gain them?" "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend conceal it?" cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that off." determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round there!' list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "And what did you see?" in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "What of the rat, then?" "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "But I am all in the dark." from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, views." and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "Then the page we have seen--" "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. I took the paper from him and read as follows: "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in you." business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be breakfast?" "No." to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted room had already been engaged for us. that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and fire. You quite follow me?" could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four morning." accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "Nothing?" drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up humiliation." living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began a suggestive one." said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "Breckinridge is his name." Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural anything to a woman, for she would have her way." could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." plantation.' "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "You did not overhear what they said?" dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from upon the shelf for the interim." "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I had no one to advise her at such a crisis." inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "Well." vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady which our visitor detailed to us. of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "And what then?" will not take me long to tell. size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "Well, some hundreds of times." push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my thirty. purpose equally well?" "If I can be of use." sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent bell. Holmes whistled. gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew morning." the tragedy. away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "I think that I had better go, Holmes." from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." Eyford at 11:15.' 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, go from here to the Strand." not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, our word." suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been such attractions and accomplishments?'