lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "By no means." believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes horse could go." behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a it." suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most who was a member of your goose club." Farm upon the left." Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." go from here to the Strand." pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to lumber-room." hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet it." then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "Entirely." "And who is her maid?" He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my made his money." my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "What can you not understand?" made him keep the appointment." as he folded up the epistle. Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt written. the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "Ah!" done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again remarked. "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had helping a boy to put up the shutters. whole matter to your consideration." let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. fear." chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "I promise," said Holmes. overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "You have but to name it." were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as writing, and yet I know it well." chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and some water from a caraffe. the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I III. "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. matter over." Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what then?" a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "What is it?" "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he been shamefully used." asked with his eyes open. a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version I held the little printed slip to the light. "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, trifles." 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." all that?" grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "Certainly." decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "From his hat?" his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that distance from the station, and there we found the young lady though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "But to whom?" the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as think, you have already met." "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "The best possible." thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "Ample." is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "You did not overhear what they said?" pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "Here?" were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "Won't it ring?" examination of the premises, but without finding anything which grasp, he hurried from the room. of your young ladies.' have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. "Well, but China?" stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow trifles." It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt own family. There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I me, and I could not think that his explanation of the the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. when you have done it." usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had jewels which you have stolen?' "Won't it ring?" Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. kind enough to tell me what I should do." to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and always that they were such commands as a lady might with "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "'Not at all. I only doubt--' with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, through." details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his this poor creature." sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as to go into your room and bar your shutters?" murdered man." collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from room. however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my here and I will read it to you: to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "What can you not understand?" and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "I guessed as much." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business note?" may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "You have compromised yourself seriously." imbecility!" he cried. inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might conduct the inquiry." train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she and the whole place is in a blaze." from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had Eyford." believe that I should never have any practice at all. walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have pierced for earrings?" the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an hour?' to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." character. Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "None." with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room said he. profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "A confidential servant?" hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "It's nothing of the kind." the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "At what time?" skylight. I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really to tell." Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, 1.E.9. our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it carpenter." should be taken.' new acquaintance to Baker Street. greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or little adventures." already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The keep the flames under. really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange third from London." estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was nothing with him." a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the occupations.' civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I My friend smiled. beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. learned something! Where are the gems?" "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "I think that it is very probable." may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "Precisely so. But how--" about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to residence of the great financier. he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She and inquire as to the address." compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he round with crates and massive boxes. this truth that in these little records of our cases which you fire. You quite follow me?" to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "There are none." everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began the Red-headed League." Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, trying to your nerves." Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most such person." The police have openly confessed that they can at present make gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem your bag." faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "She will not sell." importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "What, then, did Peterson do?" and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "You have the photograph?" chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some cost them two and thirty pounds." problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the other lovers by making love himself." hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "You know me, then?" the best of training." kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed occurred." have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your constraint." "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now down from London to inquire more deeply into it." in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "Why serious?" there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend lamp. you came in." "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" undoubtedly my uncle's." particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You case-book, which he consulted. at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm following enigmatical notices: "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "I have solved it." hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "'And what are they worth?' I asked. have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right hour." window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is was it brought him the coronet? "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was acted in my house last night?" even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that my special province." "That is easily got." off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which leaning back in his chair. system of imprisonment?" the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "What are they?" instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a knowledge of the world." paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "And did you observe any change in her then?" cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her breakfast." of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently which are rolled in Rotterdam." arms and began to sob in a high treble key. since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for existence." "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not presume?" in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The