one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other to talk it over. on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "'Oh, no.' unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. morning." He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "Stolen." terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could his cane at the bell-pull. read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "That was it, sir." train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "That is unusual in a young girl." maiden herself was most instructive." "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same rooms." suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to hopeless attempt at recovering them." in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell might have a private word with us. For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." ready to-morrow?' young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is morning." a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place particular state visit http://pglaf.org works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "Very murderous indeed." be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should seen the man in the road." Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not face and glided from the room. will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "Your presence might be invaluable." opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the miles off. exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled him, that man would not have given me such complete information "But how?" recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable go from here to the Strand." companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been Munro.' your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and appeared upon the scene." place no limit on the sum I may draw." British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. and effective." "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "One?" "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done constraint." finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "Nothing." certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. not personally threatened." ways including including checks, online payments and credit card the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it garden below. zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "You horrify me!" undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "No." "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our more solid." "Never." this remarkable episode. significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the gone before you can get him to hospital." Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "It is true that I have been generally successful." there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of the tragedy. footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must himself to hunt down. wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed stood on the top of it. have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "9th. McCauley cleared. through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "Which surely he restored to their owner?" Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, returned to France?" "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to him. Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "I cannot imagine." sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his developed." Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I down. the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "By no means." Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a I leave." that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if for securing the situation." there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all during that time.' compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm humiliation." "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "We were both in the photograph." about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "How long did she speak to this Alice?" wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "Ample." creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the your bag." they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" generous with you in money matters.' be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have breakfast and whispered something to her husband. that he will be back before evening." Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no to have been novel and of interest." by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "Certainly." case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the until night should bring an explanation. 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "When did it break out?" the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "Then I shall certainly come." if she died from some sudden fright." away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "At what time?" must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back of note-paper. It read in this fashion: at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. I nodded again. most important business. It is probable that he will be away all individual and becomes the badge of a society." slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I intimate personal affairs in this public manner." introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous bird I ate is country bred." which we had just quitted. so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what most important business. It is probable that he will be away all Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a Eyford." was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, to take care of herself." cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a in the dead of the night?' very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival one which it was hard to resist. he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon them present such singular features as the strange train of before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." were new raised from a basin. "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "Dr. Becher's." adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped the inquest, and which are worth considering." lumber-room." He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "An accident, I presume?" we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "A confidential servant?" weapon." I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his But Holmes shook his head gravely. hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the evidence," I remarked. "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up examination of the premises, but without finding anything which adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding him nearly every evening." "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." Heh?' latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "Texas, I think." "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "Then, how do you know?" headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "'A dozen yards or so.' practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my keep the flames under. said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was someone who had been in Australia." There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "About a month then." Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned gigantic client. "Why did you pick him?" kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by not, dad?" she asked. about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the that you saw all that I did." which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "My own seal." laugh and put his lips to my ear. turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were you give your casting vote to?" elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "What!" he roared. "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course public press." 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "I know where it is." "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I manager. "It is true that I have been generally successful." which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "Ten will be early enough." as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons and your relations to her." such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, could go. will take you up to see the machine.' "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a will be renamed. would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "Yes." past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said the salesman. is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "It is solved." "Never." analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the was it brought him the coronet? you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion later, upon the night of May 2nd." corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "About a month then." have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "What is it?" "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." deduce something from that?" the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He burst out into a roar of laughter. "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" or other trace. But how on earth--" "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose looking up at the numbers of the houses." the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever secret." the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "I have my revolver," said I. deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she walking." "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "Was she in good spirits?" The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that gbnewby@pglaf.org "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' is," said he presently: last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls over part of the map. "What do you read?" ago." attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "Do you go out much in society?" caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an generous with you in money matters.' and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the into the bag, and made for the door. as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "Where did you address your letters, then?" bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found fishes. should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, not use it unless it is absolutely needed." wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "What then?" never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "What, then, did Peterson do?" "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "We have tried and failed." "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has handed it to him. formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to his huge brown hands. that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round