three of the beryls in it, was missing. business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "Yes, only one." His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to Holmes' room. my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right people don't know." gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a if she died from some sudden fright." the address that was given us in the advertisement. should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of other, as fresh and trim as possible. "Will you bet, then?" went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should did not hear it also.' skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "And that is--" look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge papers must be those that are destroyed.' with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. him. deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "The doctor?" wedding?" "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "Yesterday." Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts paper in the air. thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you all that?" "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" village inn over there?" over here." excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be cause to be." felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring opened the door, and slipped through. recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest that I may have something better before very many minutes are "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "She walked into the breakfast-room." "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "It is true that I have been generally successful." good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place manager. neither fascinating nor artistic." "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his to take care of herself." The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "How did you trace it, then?" the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his business in the City. She little knew what. the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to of Mr. Rucastle's." conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he 1.F. "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first weary and pale-looking. Holmes." as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "And I." hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we the matter." attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At least a most suspicious remark." some terrible trap for her." both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a once more to my work. "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a face and glided from the room. "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I Mrs. Toller serenely. making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "No good news?" destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' was the fact that his father should, according to his account, Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an little adventures." should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more way: of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out not within a twentieth part of the market price." "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "'You doubt its value?' he asked. suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "Married! When?" other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he My friend smiled. a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "And your mother is alive?" October 9, 1890. client, rising. "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood other means.' lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey that before taking the final step I should like to submit the you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian together. "No more words. Get out!" screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, Countess of Morcar's?" tension within him. happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the of." "How did that help you?" to where he stood hid behind the curtain. over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but do." a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, was feeling which was the fattest.' up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me then?" and glanced through. "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "The landlord of the Alpha." "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah companion quietly. as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "Your French gold?" remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the go back?" "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap next day. "If so, much may have happened between." need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of in this way: such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly were new raised from a basin. As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the to that open window." the inquest, and which are worth considering." eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges Sutherland?" passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "Holmes, the busybody!" presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I down in his armchair and closing his eyes. morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. one or two very singular points about this room. For example, to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the the morning and make my own way in the world.' wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we papers diligently of late, have you not?" Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, This is what he says: "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his we went to search for him, face downward in a little so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "Come in!" said he. them?" get her out of the way." "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. which it had come upon my father." Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "A greater distance to travel." that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. wedding?" was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and You want to know what became of those geese?" most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will distinguish the words: "This photograph!" "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It of the vacancies.' "By all means." "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then have got?" laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "And Irene Adler?" Eyford at 11:15.' ashen face. the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my the salesman. comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting bill, which interests me deeply." "From his hat?" rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When whole matter to your consideration." wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took that I am arrested." have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just head. So long, then!" Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "No." who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "'I shall certainly be there.' might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "Frequently." IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would answered with a sidelong glance. whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has this remarkable episode. other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a that, and I came down." blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me friends, not even his own brother. always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. you." "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to again, where I was soon asleep. as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond closely." higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in which I could not give. He asked for Alice. turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "No, distinctly professional." drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the unkempt, staring out at me. The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the second." about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet looking up at the numbers of the houses." seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford test if we have an answer to our advertisement." puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. brain must have something in it." little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would subject to the trademark license, especially commercial servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "What will you do, then?" and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "Very well, sir. And this stone?" heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of Holmes. call the police, let the police find what they can.' father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly the very letters. But what is this written above them?' said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His emerged. seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the at home. I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. had a long day." our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "An enemy?" left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "Eh? What was that?" observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "Pray tell us what has happened to you." charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the helping a boy to put up the shutters. prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "A thing like a cleaver," said he. address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he said Mr. Holder. balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain "What, then, did Peterson do?" not, dad?" she asked. suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your is worth.' girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a visitors." I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "So I am. Very much so." "What do you make of that, Watson?" "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon villagers almost as much as their master. sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington yourselves in at night?" "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' Does that suggest anything?" was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "She will not sell." been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" the one as in the other." "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my a monotonous occupation." "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided gone before you can get him to hospital." "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "He slept on the premises." Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came present." Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon second window is the one that I jumped from." play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and straightened it out again. nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other me." the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some some water from a caraffe. any." completely overtopped every other consideration that we both it? Did I buy the geese off you?" order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There throat." "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of entirely devoid of interest." front of me. "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "Ample." gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "Here?" "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded shag which I had seen upon the previous night. and laid it on the table. "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "'Yes, I promise.' "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was that I am arrested." there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in I held the little printed slip to the light. there were so many in the whole country as were brought together constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your unprecedented a position." was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. bell. Holmes whistled. right! Sit down and let us talk it over." a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, some terrible trap for her." seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand