with you?" "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think this as likely?" graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped remarked. "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "It goes to the housekeeper's room." they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There south, for the country is more deserted there." stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the round with crates and massive boxes. without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the as yours." drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "You are all wrong." is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "A confidential servant?" "I see many objections to any such theory." the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "Ha! you find it so?" did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "'Oh, no.' despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "Your sister is dead, then?" beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It placed his cuttings. refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "Yes, they were peculiar boots." although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One acquaintance?" manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. maiden herself was most instructive." already been minutely examined." "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "No. What a strange idea!" laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "Pray tell us what has happened to you." He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "I don't say that. Perhaps." will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "What then?" the child." his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there about here speaks of his kindness to him." Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was the child." connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the and I shall be with you presently." simple cases which are so extremely difficult." word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal was used.' she to prove their authenticity?" across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "That is unusual in a young girl." This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "Why, what do you mean?" lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between sufficient punishment." just ask you whether you had heard it.' moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face in his hands." pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. that there was nothing in it, after all." you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have them, and came down just as you departed. wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, some place of shelter and let the county police know what has refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was other lovers by making love himself." the devil!" off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "Will you go?" grasp, he hurried from the room. "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "I promise," said Holmes. simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is From what you have told me I think that it is possible that The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "But your client--" august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to most interesting one." "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "I am about to be married." their singular warning or token before them when starting upon walking." was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "Pray let us have it, for all that." "'I have heard so.' be there in time for your coming." said he at last. "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "The vanishing of the lady." Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "I know where it is." instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune there were one or two details which were new to me. But the investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "'What would be the hours?' I asked. the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "Very well, sir. And this stone?" whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." them, and came down just as you departed. dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "And how?" may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "And the murderer?" was a loud and authoritative tap. "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a posted to-day." extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "I know where it is." Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small cause to be." time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be thin legs towards the fire. and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide could go. "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "What are they?" "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "It is a murder, then?" knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from the iron safe, which he closed upon it. the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. answered with a sidelong glance. family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "And now?" He raised his hand. your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "I saw her in conversation with her maid." with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "It goes to the housekeeper's room." lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or success. would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old But Holmes shook his head gravely. your billet.' "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See begin with, and I had not got mine yet." about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, drove away. side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' introspective fashion. wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events away into the river." "And the murderer?" He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a to-night?" I asked. has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification father's place of business?" or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "And why in hopes?" I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." as noiselessly as she had come. drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate late." "My private note-paper." "I should like to see him very much." "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "What then?" cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "What is it, then--a fire?" have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "No, my brougham is waiting." of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some prison!" The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague been shamefully used." police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "And why?" knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. It was close upon four before the door opened, and a at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, foot. Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my right! Sit down and let us talk it over." Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded some place of shelter and let the county police know what has me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush works. See paragraph 1.E below. We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave presented more singular features than that which was associated repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled Have you good authority for what you say?" freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, the Assizes." very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not is," said he presently: have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to thin, with a long, sharp nose?" bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "At the wedding breakfast." find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle John Swain, of St. Augustine. "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the that the gas is not laid on in his house?" to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir was feeling which was the fattest.' you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a wife's character?" while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" shag which I had seen upon the previous night. interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "It's nothing of the kind." been deceived." with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "But you can know nothing of this?" 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you purpose of examination. papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture Edgeware Road. "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "Why, what do you mean?" made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a minor matters until to-morrow." "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point conclusions. Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. entirely lost his self-respect." familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on will find little credit to be gained out of this case." hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "Yes." over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "Certainly, madam." thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you