the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall Holmes' thin, eager face. violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "Is he quiet?" it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "'Oh, no.' "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "Where did he live, then?" his forehead." India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had danger is over." as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "Well, it is a possible supposition." presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "And I say east," said my patient. finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on one of the states of the Union." several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. events than those which have happened in my own family." wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss best detective that ever lived. a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, union?" enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "Certainly, madam." the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." said Mr. Holder. "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "But I am all in the dark." look dissatisfied." tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if with some details as to your case." over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite of the vacancies.' that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. habit of advancing money.' Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City then?" also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence to affect your life." his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this without success. At last the little money which I had saved began asked with his eyes open. posted to-day." mysterious business." near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "No bad?" her also." weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread be. fish-monger and a tide-waiter." something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. husband's writing, madam." ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "Bought." "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then until night should bring an explanation. entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself will find little credit to be gained out of this case." The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to was shining brightly. occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "But you can know nothing of this?" London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little to tell." "Yes, that is the Crown." heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "And sit in the dark?" "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "'Oh, no.' yourselves in at night?" years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a light and attacked it." have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a at once, for I have only half an hour." Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "Your presence might be invaluable." London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "None." weigh very heavily upon my conscience." known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the coat-tails." "Yes, I have one waiting." to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of own family. should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "So I heard. You have him here?" As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and of." standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side way in everything. "My private note-paper." I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "I am in hopes that she does." nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "Not particularly." investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, head. So long, then!" of your young ladies.' conclusions. a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "No good news?" "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and throat." like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror gone before you can get him to hospital." hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the friend's singular character. "Quite so." "To ruin me." out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was other means.' tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of information in his hands the value of which he did not himself old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against Holmes' thin, eager face. think that any burglar could have done. "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "It is true that I have been generally successful." liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I exactly what you advise." the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "How are you getting on?" and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the absorbing." and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "Certainly, madam." would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "I am following you closely," I answered. tear off another piece?' "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. placed his cuttings. table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "What can you not understand?" matter." knowledge of the world." "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, himself. increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be you?' observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting fish-monger and a tide-waiter." you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "'Yes, sir.' dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It take the flies, but not before." "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain case-book, which he consulted. "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just stalked out of the room. confronted him. silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "Upon what point?" nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "Awake, Watson?" he asked. we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "But his lameness?" "'Then let me do so?' "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" over part of the map. "What do you read?" have one." that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all lamp in his hand. beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an criminal. We have already had experience of such." to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week silent! Oh, he will be silent!' standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "Who was the criminal, then?" vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "The murder was done with it." wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander conduct the inquiry." receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "That was it, sir." "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "She showed me, as I told you she would." the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him the loss of it. A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way asked. and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did presented more singular features than that which was associated yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "That's no good." second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but me, and I could not think that his explanation of the At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "Then he might have called to you?" of campaign. about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a the morning and make my own way in the world.' Holmes rather sternly. heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "Ah!" "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "Where is it, then?" with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "What, then, did Peterson do?" listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would triumphant cloud from his cigarette. however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I your troubles." "I cannot tell." stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. for and were ordered to this address. "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per went to the Alpha were town bred." springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has more terrible than the truth. open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the you?" "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't works. 'please.'" said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then It may be so in this case, also." hereditary King of Bohemia." singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. your most interesting statement." are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. DAMAGE. stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly night.' said he. She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "I cannot as yet see any connection." across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw Arthur Conan Doyle October 9, 1890. some city in a dream. "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed The police have openly confessed that they can at present make if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to nonsense.' "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. noble correspondent could be. he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck happened." in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the be best to do. with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark unclasping of his long thin hands. It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform really the only notable feature about the thing." Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "Yes. He waved his hands." say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a this poor creature." IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly together. resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you at once, for I have only half an hour." four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. voice. back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have jewels which you have stolen?' form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "And now?" He raised his hand. hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." closing the door. "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "You saw the ventilator, too?" indeed which he could not unravel. deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who hour?' "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was the side-table." was once confined in the cab my mission was practically confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "'Oh, no.'