"He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "It is a murder, then?" India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "Perfectly so." "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" business." companion imperturbably. I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The have been better. It is all right." "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our searched, without anything being found which could incriminate in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and are windows in it, of course?" with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "'It is locked up,' I answered. wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the indeed which he could not unravel. started for the Temple to see my husband. horse could go." with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "No, but the enclosure is." said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and records." floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin man. hard-headed British jury." might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case my secret was safe in his possession. matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would reach." world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your maid will bring up your coffee." she might be summoned. in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" fishes. effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread to-night?' once more on the important position which you have been fortunate He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "What I expected to see." come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "Who by?" The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "By no means." one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that any little problem which you may submit to me." the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a past. "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, never came back." the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. such attractions and accomplishments?' "Come in!" said he. drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "And from a noble client?" "How on earth--" 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and article?" been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your together. tapping his fingers upon the table. "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the just ask you whether you had heard it.' Does that suggest anything?" "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "No, but the enclosure is." His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side Street. fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "Absolutely none." "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." imbecility!" he cried. I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some Countess of Morcar's?" "Who was the criminal, then?" "Nothing." not come at once?" and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, as this. Pray let me have the details." only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have allusion to a rat. calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "Indeed! Whose, then?" "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. mysterious business." "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear side. the coronet in his hand?" face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read there in twenty minutes." fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "And you thought he was pulled back?" for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "And what then?" if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." directors have had misgivings upon the subject." an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and upon an income of about 60 pounds." while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "'Entirely.' "And for present expenses?" purpose equally well?" American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face roused himself from his reverie. "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, as yours." glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left amused." foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean stood on the top of it. fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "Well?" blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "'Entirely.' there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "May I see it?" though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you had a long day." usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "I will try. What is it?" "I saw her in conversation with her maid." and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "In San Francisco, a year ago." and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "'Yes, sir.' as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending him, that man would not have given me such complete information years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "But you have hopes?" drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out But Holmes shook his head gravely. The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon ways of our fellow-men." "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "I will get her to show me." whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "But what will you do?" bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I to miss it." "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called occurred." London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were my little problems." this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "But what is it you wish?" "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "Then what has happened to him?" "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. will he say when he returns?" bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "The decline of his fortunes, then?" low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "But of what society?" fait accompli?" "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you if only as a check to my own memory." concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when forebodings. "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce looking up at the numbers of the houses." "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "Then the page we have seen--" was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we are, and they are waiting for us." sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left one which it was hard to resist. from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "In which, sir?" cigars in the box." "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to your room." bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the in your London, you will know that the office of the company is its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "I cannot imagine." a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in notes," he said. It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "And how did you find out?" colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at again on its way. been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly Stoke Moran." head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's said I. woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes some city in a dream. never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and mystery." gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had way in everything. but preventing her from injuring another. "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "No, but the enclosure is." "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "Pray let us have it, for all that." one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and business." "And what did you see?" maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' congenial hunt. absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; even so self-evident a thing as that." "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no to arrive at through this?" "No. His orders were to stay in the house." situation." "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but new duties?' fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in should be so warm over such a trifle." success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to may have an influence upon European history." bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." tassel actually lying upon the pillow. some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and keep the flames under. husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, examine." professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and that I may have something better before very many minutes are showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled passage and a tap at the door. his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "I will, Miss Turner." from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had most important business. It is probable that he will be away all comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: himself to hunt down. see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. assist you in forming an opinion." been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "So it appears." in one or two places in England?' "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "Thank you. And your address?" "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "What then?" dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly."