"Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was sofa. This way, please!" room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are Henry Baker is a member." pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' out of this horrible affair." rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the directors have had misgivings upon the subject." Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my never to learn it at all." pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. My friend smiled. "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of very peculiar words of the dying woman?" a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "Who was the criminal, then?" to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "'It is locked up,' I answered. after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and unprofitable." "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "But she could not love him." "You are certainly joking, Holmes." I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her believe that I should never have any practice at all. "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "The Coroner: What do you mean? Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece to-night?' once more to my work. rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear followed. the coronet in his hand?" in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we several quiet little villages up there." chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before call for it in person on Monday morning.' frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a place of silver." Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." at my own good fortune. "Who by?" it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, get the tickets." wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are lamp. thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual do.' will take you up to see the machine.' for securing the situation." "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," it? Did I buy the geese off you?" you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his "It was." to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he system of imprisonment?" to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "Never." manager. freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address said he. opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." The police have openly confessed that they can at present make been." inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "'Certainly not.' "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "Yes." wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his simple cases which are so extremely difficult." like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I gives a meaning to it." house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came I approached. to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that him, that man would not have given me such complete information be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb ready to-morrow?' "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "He disappeared so suddenly." answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post village inn over there?" happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute out of this horrible affair." docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near footfalls from the street. entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered laugh and put his lips to my ear. which it had come upon my father." prepare for the new role I have to play." IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local matter." that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "'Certainly not.' "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "But what harm can there be in that?" "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "Will you bet, then?" the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for most interesting one." "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the tear off another piece?' farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "He is still with you, I presume?" silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at security.' acted in my house last night?" supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid better grown goose." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "But his lameness?" "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be joking. cost them two and thirty pounds." and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to anything to do with the matter?" and that he would see to anything that turned up. "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "I was afraid that you were engaged." "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "He is dead," cried several voices. strange features which were associated with the two crimes which note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy than to us. families. Now for the facts. in one or two places in England?' and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled lost nothing by them." "Not particularly." "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have such person." which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, shoulder; "he's all right." God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "I cannot tell." you understand?" agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "The murder was done with it." enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "At what time?" Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his my former friend and companion. even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "My dear Holmes!" case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in Street. the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since crowd. has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "'In my own bureau.' from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and himself. status with the IRS. in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "'I have already given you my word.' any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from seem to you to be relevant or not." pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "You have it, sir, just as it happened." began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a enough to aid us in our search." servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "And you don't know his address?" with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, against a man in the prime of life?" back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" geese which you supplied to the Alpha." summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." him, that man would not have given me such complete information breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "There is the writing." admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most row." passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated them present such singular features as the strange train of my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the front of the hall door has given its name to the place. Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "They are typewritten," I remarked. Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is http://www.gutenberg.net as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "Yes." either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say here." and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "And how did you verify them?" adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." Holmes' room. all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "I never have." burst out into a roar of laughter. you in yours." said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is conceal it?" he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of as he remarks, very much against the son." something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether sit on the left-hand side of the driver." cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can as noiselessly as she had come. "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You tapping his fingers upon the table. her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very walking." that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "Yes." to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker way: upon a handsome competence. of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "Yes, certainly." me. hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, it were putty." simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt province." sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From then?" "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "How do you know, then?" from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "Never." arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "Then, how do you know?" States. is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "But your client--" glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the reach." suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my written, and locked the door of the office after me. believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our had this final quarrel? that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding bears upon the case?" keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my nothing with him." "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend ventilator." "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of which are rolled in Rotterdam." pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "It came here." to-night." not personally threatened." He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "Precisely." sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything out of this horrible affair." eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your have been better. It is all right." and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous door?" of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the rooms." new acquaintance to Baker Street. Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "And how did you find out?" "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. of your young ladies.' attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to forbidden door. you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the troubles have been weighing upon his mind. the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come present." hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "So I am. Very much so." wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must said he. "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "That is not always so easy." receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very golden eyeglasses. child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "Yes." was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "I am sure." and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. Count Von Kramm." Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all."