He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they "None." it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "What I expected to see." a little more before I quite committed myself. between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and was a lad." "No, but the enclosure is." did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "I saw her in conversation with her maid." dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive fatally injured? that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "And sit in the dark?" Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the in your London, you will know that the office of the company is her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to was a perfect sample of the class. been." "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news shoulder; "he's all right." listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, occupations.' Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was outside. "It is his hat." stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the thirty. story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On desk. "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If and capable of preserving a secret.' "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "But what harm can there be in that?" saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed galvanised. so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "Oh, fresh and glossy." - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. bore every mark of being an average commonplace British broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in and wait." idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place pierced for earrings?" was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after purpose equally well?" thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his chair. eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "I promise," said Holmes. "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. a room. supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always that, and I came down." places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair writer." before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the read over the extraordinary announcement. '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. coat-tails." fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "Yes." out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a sound at heart." "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted not fit the lock." understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "You have but to name it." relief. woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to horse could go." the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the Watson," he said cordially. "In the cells." "She showed me, as I told you she would." conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and tied." simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the distinguish the words: things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black ways including including checks, online payments and credit card whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some there were one or two details which were new to me. But the matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a and that he would see to anything that turned up. man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his I am not easy in my mind about them." "No, distinctly professional." 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I plantation.' it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "My photograph." sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could might help us?" hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, companion quietly. "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just remarked. unkempt, staring out at me. all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "In which, sir?" varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the breakfast." pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "Stolen." thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six business." as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "No, distinctly professional." one which it was hard to resist. hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I there has been an enclosure here!" "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "It is half-past ten now." explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who letters?" collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB village inn over there?" was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he page at http://pglaf.org look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and business matters.' "It is no ordinary one." or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "'Yes, sir.' and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you to change my dress. window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered that, and I came down." the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent considering the formidable letters which were received by himself contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "Yes." front of me. "I cannot imagine." "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "It is his hat." scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "No. What a strange idea!" grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more writing, and yet I know it well." knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "By no means." "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be dates and names. man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "Come in!" said he. science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in I took the paper from him and read as follows: "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "I cannot tell." point in the dark hollow of his hand. state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to appointment with me for six o'clock?" of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever wall." general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "I cannot think." respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it of campaign. wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of likely to be some crony of the landlady's." Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the likely to be some crony of the landlady's." papers diligently of late, have you not?" always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has Arthur Conan Doyle on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and than to us. of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in within hail.' husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "Your French gold?" disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as second." I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "Can I be of assistance?" "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "Imitated." nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "Just look it up, then." Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "No, I had a dozen." treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her upon the white wrist. been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' possible that we could bring him back to her? the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "The doctor?" to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "Pray tell us what has happened to you." of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen read over the extraordinary announcement. it." broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your himself to tell his story. hard-headed British jury." man. States. can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "Yes." better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was your co-operation." and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. with some details as to your case." that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. of receipt of the work. there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. affair. round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there to miss it." "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with had formerly been in part my own. answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his the Assizes." dramatic, in fact." "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." Pope's Court. until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his it means?" remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "Yes." "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "Was she in good spirits?" "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "Well, some hundreds of times." "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, new acquaintance to Baker Street. glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of our word." Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for always that they were such commands as a lady might with of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "Yes." my little problems." an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "Was he the only applicant?" Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, golden eyeglasses. "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done once more on the important position which you have been fortunate the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with sooner or later she must fall a victim. be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "Yes, I have one waiting." France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from she might be summoned. of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "Yes, there are nearly always some there." have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "She walked into the breakfast-room." "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I outsides of the windows. I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the to arrive at through this?" sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "You have the photograph?" "To an end?" to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is Where does the thing come from?' something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "And who is her maid?" the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "Will you bet, then?" "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any gentleman's clothes. will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to