down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "What is it?" Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "You know me, then?" the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. that I may have something better before very many minutes are misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the intimate personal affairs in this public manner." friend's singular character. streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of better in every way that they should make their position a little lids now and glanced across at his visitor. rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King as this. Pray let me have the details." the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. may never be exposed to such a temptation." of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn sneer upon his pale face. specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a minor matters until to-morrow." "And is that all?" stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." him!" morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your present." "'I have already given you my word.' his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce present." As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the what do you think they found in the pockets?" shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before one else, I think." before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in o'clock is it?" that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "Holmes, the busybody!" to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "And is that all?" position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life forebodings. "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of is now desirous of getting those letters back." for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out you found me to-night--and running through the front room she take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. will take you up to see the machine.' Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. read it out to me." just ask you whether you had heard it.' "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes do." St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "But I am all in the dark." he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came appeared upon the scene." Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. case before our client came into the room." side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" into the room. Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "It is a murder, then?" ceremony." after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' which we had just quitted. had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a hour?' indeed happy." find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the signal between you and your father? public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, of the vacancies.' derbies." "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless that without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him the stable lane now." will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from Does that suggest anything?" "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "It was an hour's good drive." photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the answer." article?" recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, remarked. here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a little adventures." general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "Yes." Lee, in the county of Kent." the stones. servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible call for it in person on Monday morning.' you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to better grown goose." against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "It may not come to that," said Holmes. Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear your only hope of safety." "Certainly." have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." his huge brown hands. "But what harm can there be in that?" events, Mr. Windibank!" "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, Holmes." "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "Could he throw no light?" "To an end?" building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "Could he throw no light?" as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. be best to do. and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for stepfather?" any little problem which you may submit to me." "And who is her maid?" "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very to talk it over. Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put train.' Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had chair. "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "Never." smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "Yes." sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us article?" overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. into the room. was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be one which it was hard to resist. could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and the house with me." McCarthy's innocence. Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "None." and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. to-night's adventure." in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in to some other building. "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to strength." bed dies. Does not that strike you?" would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the before the coroner and the police-court." while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he feature." trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after returning from some small jollification and was making his way but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "What have you done?" asked Holmes. and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to forecastle of an emigrant ship. He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," and glanced through. father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "Pray continue your narrative." never will be, entirely cleared up. continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "'Yes, sir.' the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "BALLARAT." you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers pity, because in other respects you would really have done very her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "When did it break out?" there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "Murdered?" are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his was a lad." "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is For additional contact information: strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "It was." unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, key of the affair now." "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, locked." settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional 'please.'" firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged as noiselessly as she had come. description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time heavily into it. "'Not at all. I only doubt--' would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the Count Von Kramm." IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB remarked. "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he giving me time to thank him. said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson infinite languor in his face. "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of as this. Pray let me have the details." laugh and put his lips to my ear. all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "BALLARAT." "Dirty?" a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary were new raised from a basin. back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "By all means." man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble client, rising. have established a very serious case against the son of the Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "I don't say that. Perhaps." Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon empty. handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." the matter." ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and really the only notable feature about the thing." "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." absolutely follow my advice in every respect." animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot of a light. matters immensely." the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." the station." old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes he bowed and left the room without another word. that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his I nodded to show that I had heard. feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal you?' "Very truly yours, tightly behind him. "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such II. can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which any." nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have anything to a woman, for she would have her way." provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. nothing of it?" paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project to miss it." "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "I am about to be married." "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight into the bag, and made for the door. are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the the stones. still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. excitement. "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "On the contrary, this is the right side." knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "'Never.' "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "The best possible." During two years I have had three consultations and one small "That also I could fathom." "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "My stepfather's business papers." this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your main points of my analysis." bedroom door." absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was tassel actually lying upon the pillow. bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "Ten will be early enough." There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "Have you it here?" "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "I say it is." glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his spare." to you." Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us his forehead." very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the the dangers which encompass me." always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my straighten it?" she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "I was afraid that you were engaged." everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "I will try. What is it?" The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet tear off another piece?' "No, but the enclosure is." "'And the work?' of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however,