"'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a what these perils are?" A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and furiously. "That is easily got." and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "Where to?" air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion suggested at once that there must be a communication between the jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of my friend's incisive reasoning. "Yes." deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, miles off. "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I could not account in any way for the presence of the missing from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "Do you know him?" suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers that I may have something better before very many minutes are I. months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has assist you in forming an opinion." of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and possible that we could bring him back to her? "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." the station." protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such how narrow had been my escape. upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "Oh, yes, easily." it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of was a loud and authoritative tap. "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of developed." Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with appeared upon the scene." jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" a few minutes he said that it would be all right. as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. experiences." He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed over part of the map. "What do you read?" "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were to me. He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case ways of our fellow-men." from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the in a very precise fashion." manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "If I can be of use." could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "That is possible." them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "Not in the least." "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "I will try. What is it?" company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an burst into a hearty fit of laughter. means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared constraint." Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "Game for a morning drive?" He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "The murder was done with it." a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium Clair, of Lee." was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry would apply.' that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I Mary, has deserted me." "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw society." money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. Have you good authority for what you say?" "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "I will try. What is it?" knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." lids now and glanced across at his visitor. beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "Indeed! Whose, then?" "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "Holmes, the busybody!" and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so said he. unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for this poor creature." contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair three of the beryls in it, was missing. me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they useful material for showing traces. The double line a little she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "Of Friday, June 19th." police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she during which he might have communicated with his friend the "What steps will you take?" I asked. client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "By no means." teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was 1.E.9. directly by questioning you." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook people in all walks of life. case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the III. "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "I assure you that I am in your hands." the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists the ceiling. exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which wedding?" with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "Won't it ring?" even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main best detective that ever lived. Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "Why? What do you mean?" "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." have established a very serious case against the son of the woven round him. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some morning." supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited behind me. arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "We were both in the photograph." of the way of danger. cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I conversation I have gathered that they have been married about Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "At the wedding breakfast." IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "'What then?' I asked. "'Why that?' I asks. "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He of note-paper. It read in this fashion: printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the the nursery. "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly just ask you whether you had heard it.' Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round upon the white wrist. were wasted." down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to forehead. begin with, and I had not got mine yet." in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and presented which may be striking and bizarre without being silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "My opinion is in no way altered." drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, place no limit on the sum I may draw." next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, on in his house." "You have but to name it." "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are breakfast and whispered something to her husband. Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass enough to aid us in our search." His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "Did your wife hear all this?" The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the one's self under obligations.' His smile broadened. and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "No, I am descending." whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning him nearly every evening." I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon papers diligently of late, have you not?" no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "Very well, sir. And this stone?" Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. papers diligently of late, have you not?" "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced anything to a woman, for she would have her way." upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my allusion to a rat. "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "And how did you find out?" it." practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four see me here to avoid scandal." fasten all the windows?" wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "My own seal." "Yes, it would be as well." emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "'And what salary do you ask?' "You did not overhear what they said?" fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and which we had just quitted. as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "No?" and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "What I expected to see." me upon any point which I do not make clear." array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a what do you think they found in the pockets?" while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & nights." take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "Well, but China?" may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to gone. of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "But you were on a friendly footing?" "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "In heaven's name, what for?" and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "The vanishing of the lady." my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the burst into a hearty fit of laughter. amused." deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "Texas, I think." the salesman. with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "Did you become engaged then?" and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "I am in hopes that she does." happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start tapping his fingers upon the table. preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching eavesdroppers?' Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "'You doubt its value?' he asked. furiously. sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "You don't mind breaking the law?" himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "Why serious?" thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against definite end. Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through Leave Paddington by the 11:15." computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a I. "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "'Which dealer's?' relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "In heaven's name, what for?" evidence," I remarked. to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very think that he is innocent?" similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle one which it was hard to resist. "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has was the fact that his father should, according to his account, form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable business." searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: points to suicide?" once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some business." individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "He disappeared so suddenly." could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." to talk it over. was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, pound a week." "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "A client, then?" "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." Sutherland. "Certainly, madam." present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "I never have." events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become