wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save be best to do. Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "And now?" He raised his hand. The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal returned to France?" imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." hair?' "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible bird I ate is country bred." right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send fire. You quite follow me?" the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get of Fenchurch Street." "And did you observe any change in her then?" would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears some city in a dream. tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them could not have written that. It is the German who is so He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in directly by questioning you." "'Never,' said I. "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "What then?" silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his woven round him. ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that that you saw all that I did." have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done felt the room to be a little close.' All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the once more on the important position which you have been fortunate shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot evidence," I remarked. man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent young Openshaw's." at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man mysterious business." freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me main points of my analysis." It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our fat-encircled eyes. One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, of Mr. Rucastle's." would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as indiscretion." You want to know what became of those geese?" away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without him to go away.' the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable like gravel from a pit.' he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "By no means." We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "My stepfather's business papers." there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He Edgeware Road. "'And the work?' rose-bushes. "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your John Swain, of St. Augustine. "From his hat?" child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and about here speaks of his kindness to him." little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows there were so many in the whole country as were brought together so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is whatever might befall. of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at questioning and rather startled gaze. heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. fact, we may call it conclusive." its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "Was there a secret marriage?" but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried since then to throw any light upon what became of him." in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." unprofitable." wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I an introduction to him?" connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and examine." array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "A client, then?" occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and confronted him. "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than like gravel from a pit.' chance at all." "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "I beg pardon." admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, call you and give you the chance." that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I presented which may be striking and bizarre without being shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the main points of my analysis." possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger instituted." name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were This is what he says: long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy secret." Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their down. about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to Pope's Court, Fleet Street." flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He I leave." "Yes." Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the enough to aid us in our search." "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "He might." steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "It missed him, then?" and your relations to her." as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "Well?" shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. straighten it?" "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "Well?" and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "How long did she speak to this Alice?" more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "How about poison?" once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "But to whom?" them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he it means?" hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "But of what society?" dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an shoulder; "he's all right." had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "How did you trace it, then?" "And what did you see?" miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was was once confined in the cab my mission was practically our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in purpose of examination. believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events least a most suspicious remark." upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and nothing of it?" and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "'And the work?' "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the heavy and sharp instrument." "Well?" Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove politicians who had been sent down from the North. up this clue while it is still hot." "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those to surprise her." Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "So I heard. You have him here?" Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for again, where I was soon asleep. determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it and laid it on the table. transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "Why? What do you mean?" product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "I cannot imagine." hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, directors have had misgivings upon the subject." to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. directly by questioning you." heavy and sharp instrument." it." direction." that I can to serve you." "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup was a loud and authoritative tap. every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and the morning and make my own way in the world.' of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "'Why that?' I asks. "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you himself in a perplexing position. continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a yet." "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "We must have a cab." strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who over with notes and figures. Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon His name is Francis Prosper." In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "Who was the criminal, then?" I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "Ah!" "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "Look there!" said he. his face which made him a very different person to the round, "Yes, they were peculiar boots." which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. wanted for ourselves." the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "Did your wife hear all this?" "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, tail." 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "Not yet." 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "On your arm?" to-night." side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very had died away into the silence from which it rose. "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" dramatic, in fact." presented more singular features than that which was associated hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my and put his glass in his pocket. practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "And on what day did he meet his death?" long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, there was no need for father to know." We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other gone before you can get him to hospital." agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had front of the hall door has given its name to the place. doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until populous neighbourhood." address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming silent! Oh, he will be silent!' is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT shoulder. the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they Sutherland. reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "Where, then, is my wife?" not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, in darkness. another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have becomes even more simple." coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness to me. face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." indeed which he could not unravel. Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly possible that we could bring him back to her? papers diligently of late, have you not?" can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no question you as to those details which seem to me to be most Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "What I expected to see." At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need Serpentine Avenue. from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had weapon." both be extremely obliged.' to change my dress. the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to will be renamed. without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for looking up at the numbers of the houses." "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the