be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." cost them two and thirty pounds." for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been you in yours." skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, she might be summoned. rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day lost nothing by them." doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from experiences." "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "It missed him, then?" "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "No, thank goodness, she did not." thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "I am armed." as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." again on its way. the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." fasten all the windows?" "Why, it's a dummy," said he. as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic absorbing." putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in neither fascinating nor artistic." to-night's adventure." "But your client--" indiscretion." all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of nonsense.' "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts appeal." have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "Just look it up, then." Holmes' face clouded over. at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "It is possible." and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "And leave your case unfinished?" highroad, where all traces were lost. "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB threw himself down with his face to the pillow. keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a made his money." "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he ways of our fellow-men." "You did not overhear what they said?" absolutely follow my advice in every respect." red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father think that he is innocent?" "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "'And what are they worth?' I asked. the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly just called myself is not exactly my own." red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter peculiar to him. "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, directors, with the result that you have seen." you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "This concluded the examination of the witness." afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been spare." "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a any little problem which you may submit to me." met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be the room while you explain this matter?" supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "I say that I have solved it." American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the coroner's jury." business." edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "It is no ordinary one." was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "And now?" I asked. listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your outbreak?" question," said Holmes, smiling. twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular someone who had been in Australia." retorted upon me, and I on you." very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "But to whom?" Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand the ceiling. poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "Seven!" I answered. me, and I could not think that his explanation of the bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he guilty one." together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "I assure you that I am in your hands." world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the quickly through a disagreeable task. "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia "No, thank goodness, she did not." with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your distinguish the words: "'Tell me all about it,' said I. her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "Bought." himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "And the murderer?" father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing here." "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If vague figure huddled up in the darkness. Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods place, I think that there is good ground to think that the here." particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's stepfather?" the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. Holmes." a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, III. "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet lost his Christmas dinner." Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten of his shoulders. instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I once more on the important position which you have been fortunate matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "What is it, then--a fire?" Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. a good hundred miles off by now." "Was the window open?" Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "What steps will you take?" I asked. house for five minutes.' the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" enter into my head. great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be most interesting one." "'Yes, I promise.' even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly tear off another piece?' English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "I am armed." case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I room?" "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual means taking possession of that which another person has a prior reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "Oh, the cause is excellent!" crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk bed dies. Does not that strike you?" to a light-house. started for the Temple to see my husband. across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "I warn you that they are very incomplete." did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it bird of prey. "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he quickly through a disagreeable task. "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own go back?" description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with conceal it?" "He said too much." the night.' with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All rose-bushes. "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles of them has the shutters up.' "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of and that he would see to anything that turned up. and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in It may be so in this case, also." bird I ate is country bred." which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with think, you have already met." nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "And how?" and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. himself to tell his story. through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of and prosperity to your house. Good-night." grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable and glanced through. strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their Serpentine Avenue. and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us Mrs. Toller serenely. a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving shag which I had seen upon the previous night. the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His for its centre. very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "None." "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the one of them." Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, at once, for I have only half an hour." light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "That is not always so easy." at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "I cannot say that I have." delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each lectures into a series of tales." "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "This concluded the examination of the witness." "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." place of silver." if she died from some sudden fright." With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "I will try. What is it?" "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this upon an income of about 60 pounds." Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently come either from the window or the door. My attention was effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "I have come for advice." labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found later, upon the night of May 2nd." "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "Well?" your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "And now?" I asked. "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I gone. problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was papers." moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at investigation." yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "Come in!" said Holmes. wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "I have come for advice." happened." which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "Here?" "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the The note was undated, and without either signature or address. in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "I will try. What is it?" front of the hall door has given its name to the place. shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "Yes, sir." their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "But I have heard all that you have heard." He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to colonel looking down at me. colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "But you were on a friendly footing?" "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her someone who had been in Australia." have been better. It is all right." which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "BALLARAT." "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "Ha! you find it so?" about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I young Openshaw's." - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "Have you her photograph?" her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "May I see it?" forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "His face fell immediately. "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm Chief Executive and Director himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "Breckinridge is his name." "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "How did that help you?" "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "'Is purely nominal.' fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. during which he might have communicated with his friend the "Yes, it was twisted." conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as sake, don't!" a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. if she died from some sudden fright." strength in the others." other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I