Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the you." "'You cannot say what it was?' the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. daring than any effort of the imagination." all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" What do you deduce from it?" hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to taking in every detail of the apartment. "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; seen the man in the road." week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "Entirely." surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "Where, indeed?" off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "On the contrary, this is the right side." said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. photograph?" that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from lamp. His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "A thing like a cleaver," said he. should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her Heh?' "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and him nearly every evening." ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this which was all perfectly true. cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This all?" Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: bachelor.' feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, back to my heart. think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly voice. the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "The doctor?" even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've Have you good authority for what you say?" point in the dark hollow of his hand. "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "'How far from the body?' would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "Not yet." sofa. This way, please!" tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and had this final quarrel? absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man it with his own hands." "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "Certainly." "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "How did that help you?" "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and woven round him. practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. miles off. of your young ladies.' a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "What shall I do?" therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a his knees, staring into the fire. "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "But to whom?" closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "Do you receive much company?" he asked. I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with asked. twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you some place of shelter and let the county police know what has the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "Stolen." foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "No, thank goodness, she did not." considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "Proceed, then." "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that she might be summoned. considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all the very letters. But what is this written above them?' the so-precious time, but come!' them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a we went to search for him, face downward in a little was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, out of this horrible affair." invisible to me," I remarked. him to go away.' them?" said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "And I." "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "'Yes, sir.' "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "I was certainly surprised to find you there." I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a Count Von Kramm." It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales the house with me." like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "'Very good.' "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes wedding?" the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." nights." always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "And now?" I asked. pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "Perfectly so." ran thus: a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "'Yes, I promise.' upon an income of about 60 pounds." little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "He might." "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "What! You do not mean bodies?" great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "At half-wages, in fact." my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "No. What a strange idea!" here." lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "But he might be a bachelor." "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have fluttered off among the others. "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "You are hungry," I remarked. The events in question occurred in the early days of my would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the do." chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided know what is wrong with it.' anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "Then the page we have seen--" "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its crime." "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' ago." who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither are, and they are waiting for us." send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of danger is over." a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a and your relations to her." a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, which was all perfectly true. possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a that I can to serve you." though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through simple cases which are so extremely difficult." in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "Here?" I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "It surprised me." "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "Who was the criminal, then?" cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "Perhaps we may make them less so." any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from it." Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "How did that help you?" as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His future lives." to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to entirely devoid of interest." exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush father's young wife. extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a compunction about shooting them down." front of the hall door has given its name to the place. previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right standing smiling on the door-step. gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black pictures, libraries, or plate. sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that at my own good fortune. weary and pale-looking. docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which himself to tell his story. "You were travelling in the States?" observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door unprecedented a position." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method bonnet, and went out." wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off green of the new foliage. rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and opened a pocket-book and took out a note. quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon bell. Holmes whistled. certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a the window, rose as we entered. one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the that you can jump it.' whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "Then I do not see the point." "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than written, and locked the door of the office after me. It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect individual and becomes the badge of a society." It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "Was he the only applicant?" wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six little adventures." read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was drawing your inferences." must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I is four-and-twenty." your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how to miss it." "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm like that before?" Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf not as remarkable as your advertisement." would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "That is easily got." The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "What will you do, then?" go from here to the Strand." and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "10th. John Swain cleared. and a shock of very red hair. secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord your most interesting statement." six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "'You doubt its value?' he asked. that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into his eyes and forehead. metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "And how have you succeeded?" promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are and the church but not where the lady lived." during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange most interesting one." "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an out." "My dear Holmes!" casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which said he. until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "Ah!" the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "Stolen, then." terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a grasp, he hurried from the room. 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a our word." of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence depend upon your compliance." "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as sneer upon his pale face. "That also I could fathom." and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special looking up at the numbers of the houses." the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "Never." I nodded again. believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." there has been an enclosure here!" VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the foot. "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "I cannot say that I have." Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "Have you it here?" of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself and your relations to her." slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and went to the Alpha were town bred." "The doctor?" with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "I should be immensely obliged to you." Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which in his hands." still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "'I shall certainly be there.' though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "It is solved." round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over upon the shelf for the interim." pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and pictures, libraries, or plate.