The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City tassel actually lying upon the pillow. hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We union?" dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an you, my dear young lady?' he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "The murder was done with it." "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "It is possible." his cane at the bell-pull. manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "An enemy?" bonnet, and went out." "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "Where, then, is my wife?" of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well that threaten you." "Then, how do you know?" nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "Tired-looking or fresh?" presented which may be striking and bizarre without being have one." society." but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged McCarthy's innocence. from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth and files of the old papers, following the future career of every of Fenchurch Street." and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "On Monday." in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "Was he the only applicant?" other means.' the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." heavily into it. Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go sake, don't!" cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "You horrify me!" by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "Yes, it was twisted." soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal meant." speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then London for the present?" Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in and no precautions can guard against." "By train from Waterloo." then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." families. Now for the facts. "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "I think that it is very probable." I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of and inquire as to the address." upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. I shall communicate with you." in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite your own bird, so if you wish--" "If I can be of use." "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a come either from the window or the door. My attention was sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which other means.' the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" with frightened eyes at his accuser. "When did it break out?" going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "But what is it you wish?" "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "'Is purely nominal.' understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists his face. disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with better in every way that they should make their position a little delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "Was he the only applicant?" I nodded again. "Breckinridge is his name." from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the Again Holmes raved in the air. into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a posted to-day." to a light-house. "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, habit of advancing money.' where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." not use it unless it is absolutely needed." would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "Entirely." instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told long narrative. the King without delay." ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "Entirely." some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "'I have already given you my word.' "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a night.' said he. and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "What I expected to see." ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I lips." "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "And now?" He raised his hand. burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, Eyford." "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given gentleman's clothes. "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. becomes even more simple." of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my something of him before." before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the tapping his fingers upon the table. end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or in a friendly supper." of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the that the gas is not laid on in his house?" to have been novel and of interest." "It is solved." roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility notes," he said. inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP The events in question occurred in the early days of my bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "What are they?" pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "No, I am descending." introspective fashion. There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead hurried by. "Yes, all." original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "It is true that I have been generally successful." answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "The knees of his trousers." prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "Nothing?" do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is over his head with a sweet womanly caress. Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "Well, but China?" stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without Lestrade of Scotland Yard." be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as you." lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I But Holmes shook his head gravely. "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last the side-table." "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "Of what?" direction." "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." three fields round his house, and there he would take his pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." sooner or later she must fall a victim. All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens late." "You have a clue?" "Whose house is it?" "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "What office?" "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped knowledge of the world." who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the Literary Archive Foundation "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "It is half-past ten now." INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp next day. lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" that down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" you, my dear young lady?' estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced companion quietly. five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "It is his hat." bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "'And what salary do you ask?' reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but Literary Archive Foundation your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "But how will you look?" your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "Holmes, the busybody!" that he has suffered." "One of his hands." eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." anything to do with the matter?" elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend that?' heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise daring than any effort of the imagination." IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB entirely lost his self-respect." impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "They are typewritten," I remarked. nice household for a young lady." metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our fuss that is made over them." "Very well, sir. And this stone?" Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, examination of the premises, but without finding anything which By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "And why?" panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and on in his house." her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." ran thus: without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "And why?" "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" corner of the building. and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "Well, some hundreds of times." surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "Precisely." have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and meant." the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "Eh? What was that?" "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the I am not easy in my mind about them." force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or used to be." serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "His face fell immediately. "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, she used." his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the His smile broadened. "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very nothing with him." "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" hopeless attempt at recovering them." back into the street. "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the to go into your room and bar your shutters?" quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. do.' had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the his cane at the bell-pull. tightly behind him. your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office