troubles have been weighing upon his mind. cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "The rest you will leave in our hands." broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, copied or distributed: pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "What is it?" self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little door?" "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. wanted for ourselves." battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this particular state visit http://pglaf.org "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much horse could go." It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the his fortune, and I went back to pa. ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one use an arc-and-compass breastpin." was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "No, I am descending." marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. him nearly every evening." "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and are, and they are waiting for us." "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies chemical work which was so dear to him. I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free green of the new foliage. "None." his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "At what time?" sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying anything to a woman, for she would have her way." are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If looking up at the numbers of the houses." will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which o'clock is it?" "And when will you call?" "Who by?" hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "On your arm?" following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my you." "Was your sister dressed?" "Yes, they were peculiar boots." sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to narrative." "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town sound at heart." were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "Stolen, then." it were putty." and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope ceremony." "They are typewritten," I remarked. was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "Breckinridge is his name." "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a that threaten you." there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of to go into your room and bar your shutters?" across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I way in everything. a monotonous occupation." were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and to-night?' handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even Holmes' face clouded over. thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. country, and eventually married, without anyone having a unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent obstinate." fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and Sutherland. round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows before, for it was considerably after midnight. note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a are windows in it, of course?" as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the peculiar to him. companion quietly. the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the system of imprisonment?" the warnings." reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but brandy and water within his reach. he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. have I gained?" "Thank you. And your address?" Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at the window, rose as we entered. most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, perplexity from it to my illustrious client. few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at you in yours." me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, Where does the thing come from?' play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for get her out of the way." is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of a very grave face. King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he of Mr. Rucastle's." and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. read over the extraordinary announcement. Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "In what way?" asked Holmes. for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "Yes." "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. of the way of danger. interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some which we had just quitted. suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general morning." "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly definite end. acquaintance?" beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was train from Paddington which would bring you there at about writing, and yet I know it well." encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three tightly behind him. Doctor, of the paper and the date." glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he kindly on the shoulder. "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "I see many objections to any such theory." is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he investigation." once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and money should be paid at once.' everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "'I am sure if I had known--' such attractions and accomplishments?' on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, spark where all is dark to me." change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of outsides of the windows. weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether you came in." you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "Where, then?" "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all disturbance in my wife." reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would in darkness. gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "Dirty?" were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "It is a murder, then?" despair." keep the flames under. word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. the stable lane now." Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "What then?" but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do The police have openly confessed that they can at present make meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "Yes, he did." showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" at once, for I have only half an hour." to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "Certainly, madam." did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you is acting for the best. step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you very peculiar words of the dying woman?" last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "'How far from the body?' "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt Edgeware Road. submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as it right.' man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that as he remarks, very much against the son." that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "Absolutely?" stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "Entirely." be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover remarked. are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with for and were ordered to this address. down. friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "Pray do so." waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced fishes. Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some not personally threatened." open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite where we are going." in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "Just look it up, then." fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "But it has twice been burgled." "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." sound at heart." out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There families. Now for the facts. "At half-wages, in fact." front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. attention." "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, I shall continue with my miserable story. tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "It is half-past ten now." and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "And for present expenses?" fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." most important business. It is probable that he will be away all his face which made him a very different person to the round, home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not strong and stiff." "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "Why did you pick him?" am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before such person." "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if carpenter." platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the I. a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, of the way of danger. room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with Street. down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. the ceiling. Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "You have it, sir, just as it happened." I shall communicate with you." room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three locked. ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt