"I never have." possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though just ask you whether you had heard it.' matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. strange features which were associated with the two crimes which Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. nothing with him." "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed experiences." "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, me have 200 pounds?' XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than at home. the coronet in his hands?" the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed appeared upon the scene." ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I empty. pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making way: "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an bachelor.' eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge always that they were such commands as a lady might with "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "Her father is very rich?" collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid breakfast and whispered something to her husband. were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon drawing your inferences." orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was simple cases which are so extremely difficult." street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his Does that suggest anything?" which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" strength of mind to control. About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed the loss of it. case-book, which he consulted. place of silver." rat could hardly pass through." coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the that I may have something better before very many minutes are relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to indeed happy." parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "What! a murderous attack?" more terrible than the truth. in his hands." police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE colonel looking down at me. was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the heavy and sharp instrument." hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast of fine shops and stately business premises that they really of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward particular state visit http://pglaf.org "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an could not have written that. It is the German who is so points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "I have seen the police." something of him before." through." "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "What steps will you take?" I asked. gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a three of the beryls in it, was missing. I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "'Why that?' I asks. Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "I think that it is very probable." 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my suddenly upon us." "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a a very grave face. to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as for and were ordered to this address. salesman. both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a derbies." "Imitated." with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "I guessed as much." St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press as he remarks, very much against the son." rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the means taking possession of that which another person has a prior examine." some mystery and the punishment of some crime." I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort fire. You quite follow me?" iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "It surprised me." "And you thought he was pulled back?" such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." weigh very heavily upon my conscience." we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either Munro.' "What?" prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he appeal." "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him instincts rose up against that laugh. "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his test if we have an answer to our advertisement." twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position some city in a dream. "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, noble correspondent could be. My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "My dear Holmes!" acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "'Not at all. I only doubt--' Leadenhall Street--and--" across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of crowd. interested in these little problems, and since you are good fait accompli?" reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of address. and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord any more." "The knees of his trousers." "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from perplexity from it to my illustrious client. deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." our word." he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her never to learn it at all." his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the you want, then?' the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "No." over with notes and figures. hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my Gutenberg-tm License. Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "But how did you gain them?" the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have could not have written that. It is the German who is so criminal. We have already had experience of such." could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, go from here to the Strand." ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose cup of tea. At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a think that any burglar could have done. http://www.gutenberg.net he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's place, I think that there is good ground to think that the or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has the very morning of the wedding." form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. results." "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an behind me. hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "Quite so." chance at all." when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When as he folded up the epistle. him." future lives." and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in discontent upon his features. character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, Miss Holder?" suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a when your master had gone out." inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "Which are?" http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "No, I am descending." Edgeware Road. and the whole place is in a blaze." Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "By all means." have accepted such a situation. the child." permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De emerged. "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front you found me to-night--and running through the front room she politicians who had been sent down from the North. didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This cheerful." in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he room?" "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "That sounds a little paradoxical." one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way the side-table." "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in really the only notable feature about the thing." never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll test if we have an answer to our advertisement." 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its upon the white wrist. down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "Dark enough and sinister enough." fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear have an American origin." then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the Pool. and files of the old papers, following the future career of every expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, guilty one." morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "Precisely." Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "Yes." so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "'Very good.' way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our writers could invent nothing more crude." struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure Cross for the Continent." existence." hands. never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "Then, as to money?" noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in