therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. do." husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "On Monday." will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old entirely lost his self-respect." Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "No, I am descending." Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense most interesting one." Foundation the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set shag which I had seen upon the previous night. waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "Could he throw no light?" black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "No, I am descending." "Then, as to money?" horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly that?' jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "Was there a secret marriage?" Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did place no limit on the sum I may draw." felt?" crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending experiences." the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "'I have already given you my word.' for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped his face which made him a very different person to the round, reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "From his hat?" friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "But she will refuse." "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "And is that all?" "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the look upon these things in a different way." feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if is now desirous of getting those letters back." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, what do you think they found in the pockets?" "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "Thank you. Pray proceed." now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now held up the lantern and gazed about him. photograph?" "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at room. fluttered off among the others. incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "And why in hopes?" scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "Then you may entirely rely on me." strong reason behind." Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "Perhaps we may make them less so." outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "That is it on the dressing-table." round with crates and massive boxes. another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to and the colonel ushered me in. of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up http://gutenberg.net/license). "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "Always." acted in my house last night?" "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and dates and names. "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped as the one I chose?' product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great ago." "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a are, I think, all that we need." presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. 1.F. first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical point in the dark hollow of his hand. "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "Then, how do you know?" plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that in his hands." always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously morning." among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And yards of it?' "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we some mystery and the punishment of some crime." to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in that you can jump it.' down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a I think that I could be of assistance to you." whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that down in his armchair and closing his eyes. sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a dramatic, in fact." creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our are, and they are waiting for us." little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. door?" 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, of." 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in compunction about shooting them down." after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "You were travelling in the States?" "I am in hopes that she does." back to my heart. for and were ordered to this address. companion imperturbably. finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "We must have a cab." things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "And I say east," said my patient. silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred answer." in this note: "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the any more." her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "I should wish to." with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some guilty parties." maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was later, upon the night of May 2nd." as yours." The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident night.' said he. glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and instituted." I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, and no precautions can guard against." lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from status with the IRS. "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of do." "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the conversation I have gathered that they have been married about your equipment. At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" there were one or two details which were new to me. But the with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to to surprise her." murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I third from London." got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal annoyance, but no jest. rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. tell him that I know him to be innocent." what I may call a really hard day's work." bachelor.' bonnet, and went out." the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would think, you have already met." have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "Yes, it would be as well." to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a crowd. not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor cigar and let me expound." had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "Then, as to money?" village inn over there?" husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "That you are never beaten." the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "'Certainly,' I answered. pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be them?" questioning and rather startled gaze. he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very Doctor, of the paper and the date." and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "The vanishing of the lady." "Thank you. And your address?" "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "Holmes, the busybody!" however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. several quiet little villages up there." I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward matter." matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "Very well, sir. And this stone?" at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" the bottom.' "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "Yes, certainly." she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, look dissatisfied." only touch the interest." country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: once more for Briony Lodge. his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the once more. held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot outbreak?" about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just society." "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "Why did you beat the pavement?" side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just salesman. "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "Who by?" about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." my special province." Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with the stable lane now." she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain digesting their breakfasts at home." note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that Cross for the Continent." expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the just ask you whether you had heard it.' extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his amused." "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. with frightened eyes at his accuser. "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "It's nothing of the kind." in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "It was an hour's good drive." have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from face and glided from the room. "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "It is solved." young Openshaw's." burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it Sholtos." work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of door?" you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was call you and give you the chance." "An enemy?" "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and miles off. information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended south, for the country is more deserted there." with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "Why serious?" word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "On the contrary, this is the right side." Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious likely to be some crony of the landlady's." direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "How are you getting on?" more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the weapon." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself indeed happy." place of silver." reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "No." Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "In heaven's name, what for?" Again Holmes raved in the air. "Yes. He waved his hands." drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both