"Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man DISSOLVED. expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "I have my revolver," said I. considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what writers could invent nothing more crude." what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's key turn in the lock." are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, other lovers by making love himself." me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a breakfast and whispered something to her husband. there were one or two details which were new to me. But the still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. coat-tails." police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "And from a noble client?" another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the heavy and sharp instrument." wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "Can I be of assistance?" "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." generous with you in money matters.' instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "But his lameness?" "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, hardly wander." dead, shall be safe with us." machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was the window, rose as we entered. schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at delirious. theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to lamp in his hand. "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "Game for a morning drive?" corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in breakfast." "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than comes from the middle window." and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in the stones. could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "How long did she speak to this Alice?" and effective." introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of begin with, and I had not got mine yet." here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until Holmes' face clouded over. gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had once more to my work. "But of what society?" with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from I am not easy in my mind about them." glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "Holmes, the busybody!" "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were tail." streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "'And the work?' 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of intrusion of other matters." in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads three fields round his house, and there he would take his kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would This is what he says: "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be Cross for the Continent." continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing Street. "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "I was afraid that you were engaged." records." The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said she to prove their authenticity?" chance." "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "No." "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "'And the work?' "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now retorted upon me, and I on you." "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "How on earth--" skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "And you can do nothing until then?" Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of heavily into it. "Was there a secret marriage?" woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which that I am arrested." serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if for its centre. could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has outside. horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "'A dozen yards or so.' uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "I will not look." He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black the best of training." "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the see a sister of mine apply for." these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was sit on the left-hand side of the driver." through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him the coronet in his hands?" know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "I never have." on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked Heh?' father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and results." comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, these bleak autumnal evenings." convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. colonel looking down at me. little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come or other trace. But how on earth--" frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended most important business. It is probable that he will be away all family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I wanted for ourselves." interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my electronic works the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for felt the room to be a little close.' "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "Will you go?" arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body case before our client came into the room." became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I hopeless attempt at recovering them." Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "But your client--" business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact think, you have already met." Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. such attractions and accomplishments?' night.' said he. impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she examination of the premises, but without finding anything which of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." into her hand at the door and which lured her within their charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave man. and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "I should like to see him very much." latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "He said that you could solve anything." a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a tension within him. life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's use an arc-and-compass breastpin." once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "Did you become engaged then?" your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At he bowed and left the room without another word. an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "What!" he roared. possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his salesman. he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention your bag." yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "No, distinctly professional." company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "I will get her to show me." "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, undoubtedly my uncle's." received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been Surrey." week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "No." I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. my secret was safe in his possession. all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes the coronet at all injured?" practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "'Stolen!' he cried. spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of what I may call a really hard day's work." seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "She walked into the breakfast-room." noting anything else of interest. indeed happy." the night.' already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once once more on the important position which you have been fortunate James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "Here?" "And Irene Adler?" me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we washing it down with a long draught of water. sparkled upon his finger. "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that future lives." with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. roused himself from his reverie. him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "And help." returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "And the murderer?" my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and coroner's jury." chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "But how could you guess what the motive was?" brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he the south-west, I see." last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. everything which you would wish to know." Holmes' thin, eager face. "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' late." was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "Nothing." "No, thank goodness, she did not." remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "Ah!" were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "It is very kind of you." and no precautions can guard against." "If so, much may have happened between." possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "The vanishing of the lady." in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which directors have had misgivings upon the subject." left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you