instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet might have a private word with us. 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend so far?" cigars in the box." Cross for the Continent." on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten in this way: my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "And I to find an enemy." "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "Dr. Becher's." "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in Where does the thing come from?' "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress infinite languor in his face. strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking hardly wander." is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? questionable one." very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, of it with the greatest attention. details should find their way into the papers. Inspector of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one there has been an enclosure here!" smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more suggested at once that there must be a communication between the Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a if only as a check to my own memory." with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to stammered. "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so outbreak?" "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. definite end. vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the straighten it?" that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met fluttered off among the others. "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "You will not go there first?" "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The do you make of it all?" What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "Bought." the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "You think that he is dead?" was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But directors, with the result that you have seen." chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. business in the City. She little knew what. a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "To an English lawyer named Norton." something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." before, for it was considerably after midnight. essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "'Where could I find him?' entirely devoid of interest." "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." shoulder. in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and to miss it." "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the writing, and yet I know it well." every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what visitors." incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a married her." had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which shall use the carriage to-night." his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "Witness: I must still refuse. nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work that?' dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "Which are?" situation." deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "'Very good.' doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only 1.F. Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "Yes." sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "I know where it is." "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking the driver. actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may information in his hands the value of which he did not himself head. So long, then!" must be when I saw the door open.' Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in points to suicide?" "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would direction." handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a Sutherland?" be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect observed. down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few promised to bring home. served to weaken the effect. soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "Yesterday." governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few death." chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "Yes, only one." in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella in your London, you will know that the office of the company is that you saw all that I did." case-book, which he consulted. until night should bring an explanation. strength of mind to control. You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," whether it answered to the description of any of their out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a depend upon your compliance." "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent business matters.' have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "Stolen, then." Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "No, I think that I'll take it." fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight that there was nothing in it, after all." Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of desk. "Very truly yours, lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of the matter?" myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "You are hungry," I remarked. edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, crackling voice. room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked new duties?' "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless me." tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "From his hat?" sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my London for the present?" that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "It is no ordinary one." envelope. Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took of it with the greatest attention. Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for the coronet at all injured?" full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an chamber." meanly of me." rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk country, and eventually married, without anyone having a purpose equally well?" new acquaintance to Baker Street. short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. showing my impatience. that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "But how?" very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project an introduction to him?" "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and Lestrade of Scotland Yard." are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "None." to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that thirty. if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "'You cannot say what it was?' home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, several quiet little villages up there." Edgeware Road. dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a 'I should be able to look after that for you.' the warnings." disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred go back?" lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we it." II. "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated gone. "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "By no means." Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce became a certainty. "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and relation between them, and what the object of his repeated to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "My dear Holmes!" "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down touch that coronet?' burst into a hearty fit of laughter. father's young wife. when you have done it." I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us friends, not even his own brother. Have you good authority for what you say?" a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain as he folded up the epistle. and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would electronic works "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself For additional contact information: to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon in his hands." and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "One?" Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the woman." you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "You have carte blanche." What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "Just look it up, then." turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a upon the sideboard." day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a already been minutely examined." village inn over there?" and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot goes." than was visible to me." met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second to that open window." "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain the very letters. But what is this written above them?' safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in suggested at once that there must be a communication between the I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere me." ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, other means.' written, and locked the door of the office after me. man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him all-comprehensive glances. "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I was keenly on my guard against him. responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "He said that you could solve anything." foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, you?" unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and Munro.' "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "How did he come?" me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious means taking possession of that which another person has a prior sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A already referred to. knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly