"When did she vanish, then?" of his shoulders. slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "It must be recovered." silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you the bed, and you in that chair." case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is appeal." And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon to you." "Never." gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "Pray be precise as to details," said he. photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "Why serious?" crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two passage and a tap at the door. IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB 1.E.9. distinguish the words: "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' the coronet at all injured?" The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "It surprised me." read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then danger is over." and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others this poor creature." about. corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This unclasping of his long thin hands. since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "No, finished." "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." remarked. happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in morning." the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "None." anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." You want to know what became of those geese?" had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "No?" the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I strong reason behind." habit of advancing money.' "'I shall certainly be there.' WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him several quiet little villages up there." wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "Certainly." any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's he. "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly the side-table." stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "I think that I had better go, Holmes." set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to awaited us upon the table. things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know purpose of examination. in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "Yes, they were peculiar boots." in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "You have compromised yourself seriously." My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, begin with, and I had not got mine yet." that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "My Mary? Impossible!" became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of directors, with the result that you have seen." investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across appointment with me for six o'clock?" she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "Pray let us have it, for all that." my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "But we can't all be." Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," to surprise her." The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. letters?" worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a to affect your life." English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never without success. At last the little money which I had saved began does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon overpowering excitement and concern. incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being asked. Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If to some other building. back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "I would pay ten." which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could papers must be those that are destroyed.' son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which to his chemical studies. many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns if she died from some sudden fright." was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "So I am. Very much so." her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and of the vacancies.' about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "'Then let me do so?' unprecedented a position." "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. were wasted." seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. his knees, staring into the fire. the roots. "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present again, where I was soon asleep. summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man of note-paper. It read in this fashion: bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "No, my brougham is waiting." blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon Count Von Kramm." "You think that he is dead?" submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the away into the river." We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive nights." "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "I know where it is." than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my Eyford." Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. not personally threatened." as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, depend upon my doing so.' business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have McCarthy's innocence. professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike character. "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now passage and a tap at the door. black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "There are none." in his power. nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "What are they?" cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord in this way: "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "And Miss Sutherland?" "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. depend upon your compliance." "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "But not more so than I to find you." few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was possible that we could bring him back to her? without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." the tragedy. a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice writing, and yet I know it well." red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "Of Friday, June 19th." have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now strode off upon his way. I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, some terrible trap for her." Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes where we are going." records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little individual and becomes the badge of a society." their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "And now?" I asked. "May I see it?" brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "ARAT," I read. house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "You have it, sir, just as it happened." concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that ceremony." the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting closing the door. 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. together. myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in to me. "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "I promise," said Holmes. have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk me what he had done with the three missing stones. prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, already referred to. address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" problems help me to do so." in a friendly supper." "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this himself in a perplexing position. when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." noting anything else of interest. trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "The murder was done with it." squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to You want to know what became of those geese?" papers." "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took chance." served to weaken the effect. sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able wedding?" never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "No?" "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. vague figure huddled up in the darkness. glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning certainly not very gracious." wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I not within a twentieth part of the market price." classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "And why?" sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you I shall communicate with you." "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me death." low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual out." any." serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some in this note: pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "And Miss Sutherland?" have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "Entirely." "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the to you." writers could invent nothing more crude." astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some only touch the interest." him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before you in yours." "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "I think it very unlikely." "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "It is his hat." his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "The best possible." the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those dates and names. pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had relation between them, and what the object of his repeated landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "Yes." depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. a room. little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear of Fenchurch Street." you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia intrusion of other matters." "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying and the whole place is in a blaze." however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' to have that photograph." compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "You don't mind breaking the law?" refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he married her." "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' outbreak?" confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just carpenter." "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' useful material for showing traces. The double line a little difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a speckled band?" "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I the inner apartment." 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for