first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a face and glided from the room. fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "You think so, too?" them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried wanted for ourselves." himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "It was an hour's good drive." so far?" it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is them present such singular features as the strange train of I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "Yes, it was twisted." shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily to you." "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the never came back." "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by burst out into a roar of laughter. "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and returning from some small jollification and was making his way "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." away in different directions, and I went off to make my own forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try obstinate." have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own was a perfect sample of the class. where she found matters as described by the last witness. his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." fatally injured? is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an young Openshaw's." "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "And now?" He raised his hand. round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to said he, "my real name is James Ryder." sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "'Certainly not. But why?' must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out ceremony." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He matter." "You are all wrong." door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, interested in these little problems, and since you are good with you alone." where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "Yes, the wine-cellar." "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "It is no ordinary one." electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, you in yours." first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "And you can do nothing until then?" and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "It was." "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud could gather together that I was able to avert another public where we are going." Countess of Morcar's?" his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "And the murderer?" I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "He said too much." gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest noting anything else of interest. of this gang." cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "No, finished." Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter where she found matters as described by the last witness. his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to appeared upon the scene." come either from the window or the door. My attention was over his head with a sweet womanly caress. shadow pass over his face as I spoke. phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "What?" anything to do with the matter?" Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of in his power. papers on the sundial.'" go from here to the Strand." almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "I cannot imagine." is acting for the best. passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "Certainly." and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "You have a clue?" weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "What is it?" learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "Witness: I must still refuse. "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the Leadenhall Street--and--" "And I say east," said my patient. see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all a very grave face. gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the as noiselessly as she had come. wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And head. So long, then!" mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "It is true that I have been generally successful." weary and pale-looking. quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, acted in my house last night?" Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards His smile broadened. "'Stolen!' he cried. "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "Certainly." shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "Is he quiet?" clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "About a month then." "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, been anything against him. He had for years been known as a do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "'Stolen!' he cried. village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave husband's writing, madam." points in connection with it which never have been, and probably upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up to-night?' his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "But I have heard all that you have heard." turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in directors have had misgivings upon the subject." I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." danger is over." "You have a clue?" are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between It may be so in this case, also." "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "Of what?" practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. your bag." man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, laugh and put his lips to my ear. place, I think that there is good ground to think that the puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "We must have a cab." Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may a room. passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set gbnewby@pglaf.org lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "9th. McCauley cleared. rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more she might be summoned. God! What an exposure! What can I do?" conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was absolutely follow my advice in every respect." http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. had a long day." should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. himself to hunt down. for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in rooms." back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her you." really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing ways of our fellow-men." would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "'Never.' with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "You have the photograph?" corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." events than those which have happened in my own family." of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so sit on the left-hand side of the driver." call you and give you the chance." chill to my heart. week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like purpose equally well?" bill, which interests me deeply." his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, letters?" had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the one or two very singular points about this room. For example, finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare may have an influence upon European history." out of this horrible affair." outbreak?" a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to key turn in the lock." that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled peculiar to him. that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were vault. he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "I answered that I had not. minor matters until to-morrow." cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "What!" he roared. One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, entirely lost his self-respect." explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I away to you." machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a not within a twentieth part of the market price." manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is three fields round his house, and there he would take his "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "Yes, that is the Crown." man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "Here?" "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "We have tried and failed." is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist James Windibank. Voilà tout!" hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for him to be an active member of the medical profession." refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." extraordinary contortions. "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that to a more successful conclusion." his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." feature." Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "No bad?" Eyford at 11:15.' Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the Gutenberg-tm License. "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me States. answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my has little to do with my story." Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may cup of tea. contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "I say that I have solved it." assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better three of the beryls in it, was missing. meant." "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "Do you know him?" Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed 1.E.9. "'Yes, sir.' and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to is," said he presently: other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until telegram would bring me down to your help." Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to take the flies, but not before." pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, second window is the one that I jumped from." attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at disappearance of these gems?" cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune key of the affair now." I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all the Friday. Was it to be in church?" sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "Why did you beat the pavement?" wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "Certainly." "10th. John Swain cleared. Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this sneer upon his pale face. ourselves in the office." "On the contrary, this is the right side." reach." rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age and laid it on the table. myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had Dr. Gregory B. Newby I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "Look there!" said he. Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting to-morrow." "Texas, I think." of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the we went to search for him, face downward in a little own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him