there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' train.' had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and colour had been driven from his face. his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "Just look it up, then." to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the weapon." scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that your most interesting statement." business." prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So back into the street. "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little deduce something from that?" the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the shall use the carriage to-night." sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the himself to hunt down. "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom Dr. Gregory B. Newby time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step shall use the carriage to-night." hour." get the tickets." from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. in your London, you will know that the office of the company is graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is developed." the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we my little problems." over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping subject to the trademark license, especially commercial To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard because she had spent so short a time in this country that she hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "I see many objections to any such theory." "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 writer." was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "Did your wife hear all this?" set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "What then?" "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. and shall probably return to London by the evening train." housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" when your master had gone out." in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small our word." arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. trifles." railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed of." The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project behind me. "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and was not a bird to be seen there. telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "She will not sell." the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "No, thank goodness, she did not." my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "My dear Holmes!" whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you soul! here is her carriage at the door." street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a salesman. if only as a check to my own memory." sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian purpose equally well?" gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in not fit the lock." "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "'I have heard so.' a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong think that any burglar could have done. abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his within hail.' laugh and put his lips to my ear. are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport come either from the window or the door. My attention was common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "Nothing." the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that bed dies. Does not that strike you?" and a shock of very red hair. vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "You have carte blanche." the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in discontent upon his features. Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All handed it to him. some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the hand, madam?" discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. delighted to hear it," he said. Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "Yes, that is the Crown." By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the you?" III. "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "'How far from the body?' Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "Was he the only applicant?" the matter?" continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new back into the street. my special province." I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I several quiet little villages up there." "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "Yes, he did." some water from a caraffe. of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "Tired-looking or fresh?" "Yes." What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the I was concerned in it." would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "Who was the criminal, then?" fattened it expressly for you.' "The decline of his fortunes, then?" there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all said he. mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "This concluded the examination of the witness." like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the have been better. It is all right." have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached Countess of Morcar's?" knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he Count Von Kramm." grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, carried out of court." adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then call it cruel." in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country useful material for showing traces. The double line a little erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found he. do you make of it all?" It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no could not account in any way for the presence of the missing even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. the nursery. his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, business at Coburg Square is serious." "That is not always so easy." companion imperturbably. for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. you understand?" understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be examination of the premises, but without finding anything which difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they certainly not very gracious." the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the next day. that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in digesting their breakfasts at home." "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous him!" safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "Yes." silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to prison!" quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? prison!" mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your stood on the top of it. To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine of it with the greatest attention. that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "And you can do nothing until then?" the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "What! Had he lost his wife?" little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, hardly wander." light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "'Where to?' self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "I have solved it." road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "But your client--" This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend beg that you will break it off." to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked is a common subject for conversation. "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so individual and becomes the badge of a society." indiscretion." "On your arm?" me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "What will you do, then?" "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is furiously. facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country results." pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I case before our client came into the room." child?' willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "Absolutely none." "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such room had already been engaged for us. pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "Where is it, then?" grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "So I am. Very much so." "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "You horrify me!" time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you against a man in the prime of life?" right! Sit down and let us talk it over." would apply.' "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "What steps will you take?" I asked. "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" such attractions and accomplishments?' the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. gbnewby@pglaf.org About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "I will get her to show me." of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "How about poison?" d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "Dirty?" premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and suggested at once that there must be a communication between the grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower the morning and make my own way in the world.' so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "By all means." had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I most important business. It is probable that he will be away all We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "Very truly yours, "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT congenial hunt. Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I Holmes. gone. elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll round and wave him away like that.' result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I she used." left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and