have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "But who is he?" invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his visitors." himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with leaning back in his chair. "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I the child." For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that here and I will read it to you: asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the side. offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most security.' posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "To an English lawyer named Norton." "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he wedding?" "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." the window, rose as we entered. work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at This is what he says: "I came to find a friend." statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all hereditary King of Bohemia." to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, whether it answered to the description of any of their should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more together. vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "Perhaps we may make them less so." hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over how narrow had been my escape. me, and I could not think that his explanation of the rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That father's place of business?" Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "So I am. Very much so." rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a drove away. that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire of it with the greatest attention. But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those indeed happy." safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his the bottom.' this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It forebodings. "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar of receipt of the work. light and attacked it." Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. stood on the top of it. "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "I cannot imagine." the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open My friend smiled. 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to the little opening for the ventilator is." business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "I don't believe it." fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" security.' your own bird, so if you wish--" as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in people don't know." examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" thought that she would have been so carried away." stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "You know me, then?" France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to public press." than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I charge against him will break down." once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes the general public were present, then?" visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, highroad, where all traces were lost. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" absolutely follow my advice in every respect." cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which have an American origin." shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to as yours." never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and been deceived." breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, forebodings. intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "No?" very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "Yes, he did." found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have their singular warning or token before them when starting upon clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "Of Friday, June 19th." "They are typewritten," I remarked. Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "And what did you see?" electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I works. See paragraph 1.E below. treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go stepfather?" lost nothing by them." "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" allusion to a rat. "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "At half-wages, in fact." "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "'I have heard so.' her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "None." "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." voice, changing her seat as requested. glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "How can you tell that?" "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the fact, we may call it conclusive." back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her the salesman. "'And the work?' "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had of a light. stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not mystery." down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "Yes. He waved his hands." hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "'Then let me do so?' satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "Witness: It was. the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so bare slabs of marble. depend upon my doing so.' again." our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "Come in!" said Holmes. battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "Two days later this same performance was gone through under was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after true." "Yes, the wine-cellar." glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the your room." ourselves in the office." examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." some city in a dream. into the room. absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "That also I could fathom." "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." do you make of it all?" as he remarks, very much against the son." Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" my former friend and companion. perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of weapon." jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." their singular warning or token before them when starting upon could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most into the bag, and made for the door. scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" I took the paper from him and read as follows: did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me and effective." done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a will take you up to see the machine.' from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his what is your own theory as to what took place?" in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "Yes, he did." all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "Yes, it was twisted." it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," considering the formidable letters which were received by himself hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at may never be exposed to such a temptation." that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the John Swain, of St. Augustine. "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" crowd. me upon any point which I do not make clear." there is a decided draught." "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "Where did he live, then?" should be so warm over such a trifle." to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether not personally threatened." met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With right! Sit down and let us talk it over." pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming skylight. in this note: preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the whatever might befall. Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "What then?" the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, even of instruction." possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some 11:15.' nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" thin legs towards the fire. St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. Cross for the Continent." "Then what has happened to him?" "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. that you wished to speak to me?' imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "Ample." he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between what do you think they found in the pockets?" "You have the photograph?" station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before hurried by. the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a an introduction to him?" "Never to return." friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "Ah, but I was recommended to you." rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address tell me that you intended to go into harness." Holmes' face clouded over. 'I should be able to look after that for you.' there were one or two details which were new to me. But the time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my chambers. photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. train.' deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, are, and they are waiting for us." yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while point our research must commence, and we will begin it by very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and upon an income of about 60 pounds." investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "By no means." prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, the armchair which I pushed forward for him. furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "I was afraid that you were engaged." they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "What then?" headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it forecastle of an emigrant ship. it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "9th. McCauley cleared. away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "My private note-paper." that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch against a man in the prime of life?" "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl electronic works very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "The vanishing of the lady." "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. meanly of me." all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly me where it went to?" cheerful." I took the paper from him and read as follows: their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his affair. all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I