deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. done what I asked you, Jones?" hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in http://www.gutenberg.net houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "There is the writing." Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang any more." "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after least a most suspicious remark." salesman. "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a know that the truth is known." "No, distinctly professional." "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "Yes, from Horsham." skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "Of what?" for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower in his hands." 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "A confidential servant?" explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "Nearly eleven." black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a stammered. of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "How many? I don't know." "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "But how will you look?" friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "Pray tell us what has happened to you." Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at impression behind it as though a window had gently closed been deceived." The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under my little problems." compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. question you as to those details which seem to me to be most recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that Lestrade of Scotland Yard." your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. sake, don't!" upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his weapon." superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "Yes, certainly." gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without constraint." arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes my room." "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, upon an income of about 60 pounds." Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "I cannot tell." "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would more solid." "But what harm can there be in that?" "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen said he. "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to other lovers by making love himself." merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, should be so warm over such a trifle." the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "Eh? What was that?" assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. to me. Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had will he say when he returns?" "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the bachelor.' done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "And I." Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and on in his house." he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "And did you observe any change in her then?" did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his chair. ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" upon an income of about 60 pounds." maiden herself was most instructive." during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like least a most suspicious remark." blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "No, thank goodness, she did not." Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "'Entirely.' 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not conceal it?" "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "She told me to ask you." "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, other lovers by making love himself." think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, means taking possession of that which another person has a prior heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our to Leatherhead. he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the peculiar to him. but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving rat could hardly pass through." I leave." "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the do.' concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of the dangers which encompass me." between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "Ample." "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "Certainly." IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. foresight and the moral retrogression?" was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "And why?" appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said do." death." British peeress.'" laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. formed some opinion?" endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "But I am all in the dark." those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his charge against him will break down." rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. the room while you explain this matter?" and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "What are they?" 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by place, I think that there is good ground to think that the put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." instincts rose up against that laugh. call it cruel." first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "Tired-looking or fresh?" "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "'Quite sure, dad.' the room while you explain this matter?" In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I gentleman's clothes. it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous about here speaks of his kindness to him." 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to until night should bring an explanation. hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' that I can to serve you." Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and himself to hunt down. the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall feature." the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you do.' bill, which interests me deeply." is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "Yes, that is the Crown." office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "Not him." male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the until night should bring an explanation. down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "No, I had a dozen." sound at heart." state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our just ask you whether you had heard it.' my friend's incisive reasoning. him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "I am following you closely," I answered. Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "No." with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the bonnet, and went out." "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "How on earth--" When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered go--none." her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there rat could hardly pass through." it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her coat-tails." and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. photograph?" "Was your sister dressed?" really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "I was sure that I might rely on you." routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the beg that you will break it off." especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian closing the door. "No." "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must if I call to-morrow?" twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten at once, for I have only half an hour." distance from the station, and there we found the young lady and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. the night.' dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "And the cigar-holder?" since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "It came here." the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. thirty. process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. of the one which your family is now devouring." what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "So I have heard." 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number yards of it?' de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "Yes, all." once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended once more on the important position which you have been fortunate this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "'What are you doing there?' he asked. expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited in your London, you will know that the office of the company is Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "But to whom?" case-book, which he consulted. springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "I see many objections to any such theory." furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "And is that all?" in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I which should have the effect of calling the attention of the breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "10th. John Swain cleared. "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." But Holmes shook his head gravely. enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I friend's singular character. Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband morning." glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "So I have heard." responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small of the way of danger. "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You already been minutely examined." at my own good fortune. dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." more solid." knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "I have solved it." and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen of receipt of the work. to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "He is dead," cried several voices. was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and three of the beryls in it, was missing. to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "'What do you call purely nominal?' bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and business came to an end." the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "'And the work?' practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many washing it down with a long draught of water. "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and was lame." "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it character. like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "Do you receive much company?" he asked. received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his gentleman's clothes. unclasping of his long thin hands. Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, really the only notable feature about the thing." believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to weighed down with some great anxiety. "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. you." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and suddenly upon us." the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until