"Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any "'About the same.' "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "Very murderous indeed." We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "She walked into the breakfast-room." "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "But we can't all be." business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. locked. "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' your bag." knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The to have been novel and of interest." that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "You know me, then?" "'It is locked up,' I answered. was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest is a common subject for conversation. see a sister of mine apply for." garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed and it need not interfere very much with one's other over part of the map. "What do you read?" which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis the general public were present, then?" it." I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us my friend's incisive reasoning. will take you up to see the machine.' applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of to a more successful conclusion." "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "What! a murderous attack?" a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might some water from a caraffe. III. saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered redistribution. "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we client, rising. "I answered that I had not. "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a down from London to inquire more deeply into it." He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the congratulate you again." then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "Why, what do you mean?" was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any following enigmatical notices: "Of what?" more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the or other trace. But how on earth--" "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "What is it?" finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "Here?" had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "Pray be precise as to details," said he. absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "Absolutely?" woman who has had her own way to make in the world. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he hereditary King of Bohemia." workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 outsides of the windows. note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their Clair, of Lee." "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" might help us?" certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the cup of tea. of his shoulders. Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "Why? What do you mean?" little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian our word." said Mr. Holder. and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made horse could go." "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see up this clue while it is still hot." "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "You forget that I know nothing about it." jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge ago." tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them writers could invent nothing more crude." traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her minor matters until to-morrow." attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was your room." nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa six. Come in!" mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always and the colonel ushered me in. "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The residence of the great financier. "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the is now desirous of getting those letters back." instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took questionable one." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, in darkness. in this note: located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "Indeed! Whose, then?" "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not with you alone." him to be an active member of the medical profession." "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you said Mr. Holder. be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "Did he not advertise?" clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was searched, without anything being found which could incriminate along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just were wasted." it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest them?" to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice salesman. room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage our word." He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "The murder was done with it." footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no said I. "But not more so than I to find you." "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "We must sit without light. He would see it through the that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "My own seal." "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which envelope. as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "Did your wife hear all this?" severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "Quite so." whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord to talk it over. dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "Just look it up, then." "No." arms and began to sob in a high treble key. of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, Farm upon the left." Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of made him keep the appointment." he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your examination of the premises, but without finding anything which imbecility!" he cried. shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had humiliation." hair?' all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "It certainly sounds feasible." quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable congratulate you again." "I beg pardon." set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as just called myself is not exactly my own." "In answer to an advertisement." circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to said he. his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "If I can be of use." should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There security.' gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every his cane at the bell-pull. it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of appointment with me for six o'clock?" which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect everything which you would wish to know." "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "But you can know nothing of this?" place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall This is what he says: found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and forehead. Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their shaken than I had ever seen him. said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and in his hands." "How did he come?" half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the these bleak autumnal evenings." "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to of the vacancies.' Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six existence." which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "But how did you gain them?" bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step this poor creature." "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the said he. facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very read over the extraordinary announcement. frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "What shall I do?" Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the help us in this matter." that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "But what is it you wish?" Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "And Irene Adler?" residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "Come in!" said he. skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look followed. "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am bore every mark of being an average commonplace British remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable burst into a hearty fit of laughter. abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your hour?' and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you and put his glass in his pocket. cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous of the vacancies.' father's young wife. an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have third from London." acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "How did that help you?" which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it ventilator." the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. in the port of London." sentimental considerations in the background which would induce morning." "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and way in." this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "You don't mind breaking the law?" belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "Yes, but only for you and me." downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you purpose equally well?" him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. tear off another piece?' force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad even of instruction." "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "Ample." little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "If so, much may have happened between." the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. vanished into the darkness. IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. appeared upon the scene." occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, down from London to inquire more deeply into it." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "No, I am descending." disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary look dissatisfied." understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly system of imprisonment?" considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, that you wished to speak to me?' "No, distinctly professional." month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "Yes. He waved his hands." the stones. snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing three of the beryls in it, was missing. typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small see a sister of mine apply for." "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it in the hope of finding them." offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "Yes." squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. of his shoulders. the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "But of what society?" "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "Yes." have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a