dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "By train from Waterloo." judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary these bleak autumnal evenings." "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He conduct the inquiry." platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the forecastle of an emigrant ship. boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "He is dead," cried several voices. table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another Leadenhall Street--and--" laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, opened a pocket-book and took out a note. Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "'Yes, it was gone.' "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person me. You must get home instantly and act." every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the him nearly every evening." freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "That is also quite modern," said the lady. to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking instituted." course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. morning." could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front and it need not interfere very much with one's other During two years I have had three consultations and one small that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "What I expected to see." "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, photograph?" out of this horrible affair." of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "Deserted you?" "Where did you address your letters, then?" wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. go from here to the Strand." American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said future lives." read it out to me." at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. when your master had gone out." unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and which our visitor detailed to us. This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "My photograph." Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. so.' "Certainly." may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical results." said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "But what will you do?" overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side father's place of business?" his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "I answered that I had not. "One horse?" interjected Holmes. to a more successful conclusion." in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it not use it unless it is absolutely needed." furiously. and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by that?' does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm so far?" aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "'Tell me all about it,' said I. donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "And your mother is alive?" very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "Were they all fastened this morning?" "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." really the only notable feature about the thing." "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "And how did he make his money?" the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. which it had come upon my father." upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action I approached. civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "That is it on the dressing-table." heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of too. devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And head. So long, then!" My friend smiled. human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "Well, it is a possible supposition." excitement. "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: only touch the interest." astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "Then the page we have seen--" the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "In what way?" asked Holmes. shoulder; "he's all right." you." have had none more fantastic than this." in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "I think that I had better go, Holmes." that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is questionable one." License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "And I say east," said my patient. say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "We must sit without light. He would see it through the concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "None." interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face writers could invent nothing more crude." his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "No bad?" collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "You have a clue?" "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "On your arm?" But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "You have but to name it." "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? it with his own hands." that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You once more to my work. a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly sentimental considerations in the background which would induce habit of advancing money.' wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small was the fact that his father should, according to his account, few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two questionable one." opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "Not I." "Come in!" said Holmes. "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom the iron safe, which he closed upon it. became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "Yes." as noiselessly as she had come. the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "What then?" "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is of the efforts of the United States government and of the better also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "Pray continue your narrative." "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was man. the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, indeed happy." hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "And for present expenses?" "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough congratulate you again." "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved fuss that is made over them." feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but gbnewby@pglaf.org order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the what do you think they found in the pockets?" would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "Why did you beat the pavement?" days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "I have hopes." qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as your sleep?' back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is the running down." hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, look dissatisfied." were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to already referred to. you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is like gravel from a pit.' the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "What are they?" Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "Just look it up, then." "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come Sholtos." important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with is worth.' rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly south, for the country is more deserted there." shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "I am armed." and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your the night.' Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried ventilator." glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, upon the shelf for the interim." one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most meant." ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "No. His orders were to stay in the house." presented more singular features than that which was associated in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. union?" preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and was used.' "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more was it brought him the coronet? question you as to those details which seem to me to be most returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "I will do it." four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting green of the new foliage. "Breckinridge is his name." He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "And Miss Sutherland?" "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John what is your own theory as to what took place?" sound at heart." "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always gone. "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they His smile broadened. "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" which our visitor detailed to us. are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "I cannot tell." box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend time." money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in six. Come in!" out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "If I can be of use." there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the DISSOLVED. error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and who was a member of your goose club." from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out people in all walks of life. "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have people don't know." was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but