for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an easy-going way." lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your all-comprehensive glances. "'Where to?' fire. You quite follow me?" my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "We were both in the photograph." "Nothing." ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you three fields round his house, and there he would take his the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the helping a boy to put up the shutters. rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "No." rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "I saw her in conversation with her maid." "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "Pray let us have it, for all that." of a light. "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the you." "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through to have been novel and of interest." it right.' "Thank you. And your address?" all that?" 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would geese which you supplied to the Alpha." work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in you." get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship in one or two places in England?' robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. Literary Archive Foundation "Just look it up, then." "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "What will you say?" lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "Always." "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "What?" evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "I am armed." went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this gone before you can get him to hospital." afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked Miss Holder?" lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, morning." its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, your only hope of safety." midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the what I may call a really hard day's work." "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "What are they?" you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and she might be summoned. "Very murderous indeed." Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "Pray continue your narrative." of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was way in everything. time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "Then he might have called to you?" have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, definite end. "I am armed." foot. home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the fishes. eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. eavesdroppers?' we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, in a very precise fashion." the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under way in." wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "How did that help you?" "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' me." "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK drove away. companion. day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and conversation I have gathered that they have been married about retorted upon me, and I on you." can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "About a month then." to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "No, I am descending." caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "The landlord of the Alpha." the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over prison!" The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you tell them apart.' all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." it with his own hands." "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual notes," he said. better grown goose." "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "Was your sister dressed?" quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my opportunities to fix the problem. two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a she might be summoned. gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "The murder was done with it." "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." had this final quarrel? I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror tell him that I know him to be innocent." Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass me. lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be morning." As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "'Yes.' to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry of the one which your family is now devouring." pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something sound at heart." "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire joking. he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "I should wish to." me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "No bad?" as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which such person." "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "The best possible." our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "The decline of his fortunes, then?" brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no cause to be." Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "Stolen, then." "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' into the bag, and made for the door. carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "And Irene Adler?" indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "What is it?" himself in a perplexing position. force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through annoyance, but no jest. shadow pass over his face as I spoke. Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock Arthur Conan Doyle "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were obstinate." "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled to a light-house. as he remarks, very much against the son." he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "'No, I know no one in these parts.' to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the occupations.' garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "But you can know nothing of this?" then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but could gather together that I was able to avert another public "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do look dissatisfied." its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "Very much so." most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You national property. I was determined that the law should have its better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were was shining brightly. round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "Why did you beat the pavement?" peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in gone before you can get him to hospital." is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a few hundred pounds.' I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle my former friend and companion. "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I true." and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "His face fell immediately. together. business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria not interfere, come what may. You understand?" I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "Was he the only applicant?" Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard recall any case within my experience which looked at the first clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets in one or two places in England?' of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in was feeling which was the fattest.' long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all make me his representative both with the servants and with the no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "But of what society?" so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "And is that all?" drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "When did it break out?" so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "What have you done?" asked Holmes. that the gas is not laid on in his house?" seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes promised to bring home. "It was an hour's good drive." once more on the important position which you have been fortunate of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "I assure you that I am in your hands." The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major developed." were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible green of the new foliage. slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. the inner apartment." I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he you in your example." rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to infinite languor in his face. other lovers by making love himself." myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable walking." My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "I have come for advice." still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "Stolen." There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke be sorry for having acted so harshly." visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the his eyes and forehead. Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident particular state visit http://pglaf.org even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he his eyes and forehead. "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "And why?" entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case discontent upon his features. not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "Pray let us have it, for all that." lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing unprofitable." work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had union?" circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, go from here to the Strand." this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any over here." lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. did not hear it also.' I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "Then I shall certainly come." "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve and effective." electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was "'How far from the body?' difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." it." indiscretion." and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I himself to hunt down. "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and