think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from to take care of herself." outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing cost them two and thirty pounds." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which later, upon the night of May 2nd." across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "Not particularly." provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, in his hands." was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "A confidential servant?" figure." age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have money should be paid at once.' Mrs. Toller serenely. round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," there were so many in the whole country as were brought together to talk it over. firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "I am to be neutral?" to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a have an American origin." the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the Does that suggest anything?" of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set unprofitable." of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid seven miles from Eyford Station.' The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was me what he had done with the three missing stones. gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I little trying to do so much typewriting?" companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "The doctor?" "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," the stable lane now." statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "Why did you beat the pavement?" "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." just called myself is not exactly my own." seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "'I have heard so.' "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "The gentleman I describe." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a to some other building. comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." are, and they are waiting for us." that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. the room while you explain this matter?" a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter that the gas is not laid on in his house?" charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found you came in." flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "Who was the criminal, then?" ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "And the cigar-holder?" "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "My last client of the sort was a king." Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' is so. I know all about McCarthy." upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "What do you mean?" enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. invisible to me," I remarked. Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close second." he died? "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. fuss that is made over them." "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "I cannot imagine." eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in unkempt, staring out at me. takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had murdered man." "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "'It is locked up,' I answered. said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "The King of Scandinavia." weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "I will get her to show me." "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "What!" he roared. astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him him nearly every evening." overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "Won't it ring?" it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness to arrive at through this?" his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "'Where could I find him?' B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. outsides of the windows. "You horrify me!" "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, been with you?" "He is still with you, I presume?" mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call not use it unless it is absolutely needed." his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, she slowly sank and died without having recovered her errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "My own seal." probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found was feeling which was the fattest.' were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. we went to search for him, face downward in a little shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his help us in this matter." five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "Yes." "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "I guessed as much." passage and a tap at the door. ventilator." in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he the dangers which encompass me." his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post was a lad." posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less appointment with me for six o'clock?" copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence roused himself from his reverie. roused himself from his reverie. certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his seen the man in the road." never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been is entirely a question of barometric pressure." whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "It was a confession," I ejaculated. I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at anything to do with the matter?" aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "It surprised me." upon the white wrist. "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some third from London." "I will try. What is it?" the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy down. "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. bachelor.' "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from Edgeware Road. Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "'Yes, sir.' and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "No. His orders were to stay in the house." then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, Sutherland. to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. future lives." "At what time?" "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "But how did you gain them?" stepfather?" he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand your Highness to the police-station?" 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," some mystery and the punishment of some crime." gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "No legal papers or certificates?" pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which happened." took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "Pray let us have it, for all that." even so self-evident a thing as that." reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself and have this put in the evening papers." "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "Well, some hundreds of times." burst into a hearty fit of laughter. bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish undoubtedly my uncle's." subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite occurred." advice." despaired of." "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "No, but the enclosure is." suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the matters immensely." no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the depend upon your compliance." outbreak?" other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I mystery may be cleared along those lines." individual and becomes the badge of a society." "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "And how have you succeeded?" he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, eavesdroppers?' "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "Why, what do you mean?" "Certainly." never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the chance at all." "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be sound at heart." the Red-headed League." of a light. like gravel from a pit.' would then never go into court at all." himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. triumphant cloud from his cigarette. transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced Pool. "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it examination of the premises, but without finding anything which to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we clang of the bell. annoyance, but no jest. The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "VIOLET HUNTER." think that any burglar could have done. we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless are windows in it, of course?" For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "Where did he live, then?" persecution?" threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon made him keep the appointment." it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "But how did you gain them?" as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "Did you become engaged then?" to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "'Stolen!' he cried. I leave." secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after in one or two places in England?' not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and any more." which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "But she could not love him." Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the morning." disappearance of these gems?" business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his the matter." position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, late!' "I fear not." "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you lost his Christmas dinner." still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears wedding?" this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. occupations.' them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "That sounds a little paradoxical." begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are test if we have an answer to our advertisement." 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was prison!" "No, I had a dozen." Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "You horrify me." follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This sake, don't!" luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the we went to search for him, face downward in a little "From his hat?" back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate,