stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, in darkness. the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by morning." away into the river." former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her highly," said Holmes. to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "That sounds a little paradoxical." through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well must be when I saw the door open.' "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the not fit the lock." not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one ways including including checks, online payments and credit card which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' so far?" glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "How are you getting on?" into the room. black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun peculiar to him. for the market.' "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons train.' strength in the others." situation." poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I was once confined in the cab my mission was practically gigantic client. prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two do.' went to the Alpha were town bred." of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his always that they were such commands as a lady might with known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my where she found matters as described by the last witness. process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's to have been novel and of interest." McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in with her." "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was coroner's jury." "He said too much." during that time.' lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "Perfectly so." reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "What, then, did Peterson do?" the devil!" constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's confronted him. any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "Get out!" said he. "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "'Which dealer's?' "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the awkward doing business with an alias." It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said danger is over." corner of the building. "But your client--" "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "That is not always so easy." lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "Perhaps we may make them less so." building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" would apply.' half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. not within a twentieth part of the market price." "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our papers diligently of late, have you not?" him." "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." hour?' his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "No, I had a dozen." into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa posted to-day." them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the in one or two places in England?' shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "It goes to the housekeeper's room." postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day everything which you would wish to know." our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to way: which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the this remarkable episode. sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' said Mr. Holder. "That sounds a little paradoxical." walking." which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy hard-headed British jury." "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "Yes, only one." extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have companion. "Very murderous indeed." away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no was it brought him the coronet? in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his would then never go into court at all." on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "I shall be delighted." would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled the iron safe, which he closed upon it. and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position existence." lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" written. The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of IS "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my power." "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But from the brougham. my room." always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no good-night and bustled off upon her way. "My stepfather's business papers." "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "No more words. Get out!" hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope breakfast." "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "Breckinridge is his name." "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall started for the Temple to see my husband. a little more before I quite committed myself. crowd. know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; morning." States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my 11:15.' introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "We must have a cab." not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "But you were on a friendly footing?" to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "Not I." he. "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but whether it answered to the description of any of their "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I was shining brightly. to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. with you?" It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton started for the Temple to see my husband. with you alone." by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his think, you have already met." the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "By no means." This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy answered with a sidelong glance. go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, is four-and-twenty." points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! the Friday. Was it to be in church?" fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture returned to France?" servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera such attractions and accomplishments?' he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly goes." "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she suspect him." such attractions and accomplishments?' bill, which interests me deeply." during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "How did that help you?" "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "I shall most certainly do so." zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "Ah!" plantation.' dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your newspaper selections." made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there washing it down with a long draught of water. behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' several quiet little villages up there." presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his some place of shelter and let the county police know what has it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "Thank you. And your address?" "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's constraint." immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in distance from the station, and there we found the young lady On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "One of his hands." And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "We must sit without light. He would see it through the The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "My own seal." week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, might help us?" He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the arrested. You then--" for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "That is unusual in a young girl." is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love respectable self." been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and means taking possession of that which another person has a prior and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the to have that photograph." here." prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly affection." and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "No." week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me were wasted." "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you or in danger--" "I say it is." Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "My private note-paper." Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, without success. At last the little money which I had saved began caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can hurried away. "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my you." "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "I cannot say that I have." to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the most interesting one." huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, bed dies. Does not that strike you?" a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "Certainly, madam." Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "I promise," said Holmes. a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "He is dead," cried several voices. public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a Heh?' slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. which was all perfectly true. "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would status with the IRS. better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the intrusion of other matters." remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his Leadenhall Street--and--" some place of shelter and let the county police know what has It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. gigantic client. clanging. carried out of court." A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback wall." stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "May I see it?" to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. always that they were such commands as a lady might with salesman. absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are laugh and put his lips to my ear. "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "This concluded the examination of the witness." ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of you." and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "Perhaps I have." cigars in the box." clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" call it cruel." "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped present." cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "And that is--" a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "Why serious?" "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to