customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured nothing of it?" to-night?" I asked. next day. as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was shoulder; "he's all right." absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being gbnewby@pglaf.org is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, to-night?" I asked. akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." any little problem which you may submit to me." to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "Yes." in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is bled considerably." photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "I promise," said Holmes. About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "'I have already given you my word.' eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "Perhaps I have." very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "But his lameness?" now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of developed." time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "Breckinridge is his name." "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, was it brought him the coronet? "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King make me his representative both with the servants and with the suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the nothing with him." of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off nonsense.' vanished into the darkness. "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had Gutenberg-tm License. was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The despair." hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the outside. "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, go from here to the Strand." feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "Did you become engaged then?" it were putty." "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "'What would be the hours?' I asked. you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is prepare for the new role I have to play." cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "Precisely." one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City purpose equally well?" Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." formed some opinion?" too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see asked. it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "'I have already given you my word.' you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." furiously. front of me. that he has suffered." does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those up this clue while it is still hot." large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." lamp in his hand. to a more successful conclusion." familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a morning." always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." in this note: values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you papers." Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our answer." little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." if only as a check to my own memory." cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "And Irene Adler?" "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend appeared upon the scene." cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "'You cannot say what it was?' gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We yourselves in at night?" "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort closely." data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what said he. continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I taking in every detail of the apartment. 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple question. is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I most interesting one." has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. question," said Holmes, smiling. business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, time." you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate shadow pass over his face as I spoke. deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon been anything against him. He had for years been known as a the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor go--none." "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "Her father is very rich?" "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which whatever might befall. burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; I shall communicate with you." some city in a dream. "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other for its centre. work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "In San Francisco, a year ago." but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of even so self-evident a thing as that." the nursery. great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced before the coroner and the police-court." Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "Stoke Moran?" said he. note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "Not I." against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and heavy and sharp instrument." took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, one of the states of the Union." my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "Certainly, madam." decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "I fear not." upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' whole matter to your consideration." "I was afraid that you were engaged." "But you have hopes?" social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "The doctor?" "Not yet." mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. are, and they are waiting for us." like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." with the outside air!" credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have Eyford." "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to yards of it?' "You have but to name it." plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can letters?" saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "Dr. Becher's." which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "What I expected to see." been deceived." "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after and capable of preserving a secret.' first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an Doctor, of the paper and the date." comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its the roots. "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "One of the highest in England." 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose politicians who had been sent down from the North. analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without lids now and glanced across at his visitor. workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock which it had come upon my father." "I say it is." incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "Not in the least." "And leave your case unfinished?" drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "What steps will you take?" I asked. and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "No, I think that I'll take it." As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "What are they?" almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless the Friday. Was it to be in church?" broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell crowd. product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger without a word or a look. "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do correct than the official force." "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. gone. Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some down in his armchair and closing his eyes. ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate been." "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "And that is--" girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked yet." point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "My dear Holmes!" on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "Nearly eleven." yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him she to prove their authenticity?" which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "I cannot tell." the matter." is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "How often?" fat-encircled eyes. branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "Precisely." the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had ordinary clothes on?" There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the side. however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were which it had come upon my father." assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "'How far from the body?' the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which door?" search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean relief. geese which you supplied to the Alpha." chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are locked. "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but him nearly every evening." "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly photograph?" offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he with frightened eyes at his accuser. dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He affair. "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. present." called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a where we are going." preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. strength of mind to control. "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "How did he come?" seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "An accident, I presume?" Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "Ten will be early enough." once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "Yes, there are nearly always some there." Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its