good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. one's self under obligations.' this Miss Turner." zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over husband's writing, madam." this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end main points of my analysis." I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." once more for Briony Lodge. have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with was the fact that his father should, according to his account, at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable locked. upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "In the cells." unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single seven miles from Eyford Station.' I am not easy in my mind about them." succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "'Very good.' the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, you, my dear young lady?' cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will some water from a caraffe. small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "'Most admirably.' encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "He might." however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every crackling voice. clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "'Stolen!' he cried. conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen chair. matter." "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." guilty parties." me." staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are he. 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us relief. But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands again, where I was soon asleep. few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." of receipt of the work. out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. galvanised. "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, most interesting one." "In heaven's name, what for?" you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other if I call to-morrow?" discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it Gutenberg-tm License. knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "'Certainly,' I answered. clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. was not a bird to be seen there. "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "Yes, he did." stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to I am not easy in my mind about them." here and I will read it to you: you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing presume?" to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I Sutherland?" lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "The Cedars?" six. Come in!" single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained it with his own hands." Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from had a long day." the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat to have been novel and of interest." confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you miles off. taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "I am in hopes that she does." a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's me. age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "Then you may be so with me." the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose which our visitor detailed to us. it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was system of imprisonment?" what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was in him." every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had Eyford at 11:15.' "I am sure." "In what way?" asked Holmes. your bag." "But what is it you wish?" correct than the official force." address. "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "I am sure." facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "Frequently." through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "What are they?" foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the jewels which you have stolen?' have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade crowd. brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, matter." "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right you." was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the daring than any effort of the imagination." "What is it, then--a fire?" matters immensely." at once, for I have only half an hour." Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "And your mother is alive?" thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "It certainly sounds feasible." silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." him to go away.' "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for leave you to your papers for a little." but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that with some details as to your case." they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other derbies." very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "It is true that I have been generally successful." apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, both be extremely obliged.' pressing in one house as in another. fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "Yes, the wine-cellar." a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "You are hungry," I remarked. "Of Friday, June 19th." main points of my analysis." "It is his hat." one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the prisoner's face. d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his business?" he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not quickly through a disagreeable task. with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad forecastle of an emigrant ship. "Yes." "That also I could fathom." had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." train.' Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom felt the room to be a little close.' to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in really the only notable feature about the thing." was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." For additional contact information: "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "'Ample.' once more for Briony Lodge. reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story situation." looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "Where, indeed?" can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB behind me. the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew events, Mr. Windibank!" the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "It came here." could not have written that. It is the German who is so maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "I do." facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "What! Had he lost his wife?" "Is he quiet?" Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from trifles." set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next union?" the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. key of the affair now." eavesdroppers?' He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us to have that photograph." said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This time." remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and main points of my analysis." receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the on re-entering her father's house?" why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "You have carte blanche." room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a little trying to do so much typewriting?" fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole at my own good fortune. Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my south, for the country is more deserted there." there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had written, and locked the door of the office after me. together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "What!" he roared. you." dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "Not in a good cause." work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the already been minutely examined." known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "I should like to see him very much." month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the his face which made him a very different person to the round, "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "Then I do not see the point." large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "How often?" "Very murderous indeed." "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for lips." wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. him." "It is no ordinary one." I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are This is what he says: "Your presence might be invaluable." with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "No." over his head with a sweet womanly caress. I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's country, and eventually married, without anyone having a before the coroner and the police-court." perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "It is very clear." own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter whether it answered to the description of any of their down from London to inquire more deeply into it." had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. appeal." hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "And you can do nothing until then?" disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean conversation I have gathered that they have been married about heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as papers diligently of late, have you not?" to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the weapon." was a perfect sample of the class. envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in within hail.' Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "But his lameness?" "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. time." for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the