into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said use an arc-and-compass breastpin." thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "And why?" strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since new acquaintance to Baker Street. all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the empty. We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "Nothing." "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you hard-headed British jury." there in twenty minutes." anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, entirely devoid of interest." wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward shadow pass over his face as I spoke. undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. important." "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of made his money." broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "But your client--" all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "It is very kind of you." will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to it." Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "And for present expenses?" speckled band?" "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "Do you go out much in society?" "And for present expenses?" "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "'Very good.' "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole to-morrow." words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we simple cases which are so extremely difficult." companion quietly. done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "We must sit without light. He would see it through the burst into a hearty fit of laughter. voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, see a sister of mine apply for." "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "Nothing?" sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom goes." one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself open." "I have a cab outside." "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. mysterious business." bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you seven miles from Eyford Station.' father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real been shamefully used." voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, gone. "Her father is very rich?" "'And what salary do you ask?' during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "But his left-handedness." himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you indiscretion." "Her father is very rich?" took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "No." outbreak?" "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all emerged. child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to highroad, where all traces were lost. sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and presume?" and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was went to the Alpha were town bred." The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. of your young ladies.' extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make coat-tails." The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "It surprised me." "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "You have a clue?" I held the little printed slip to the light. sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the was lame." nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "I would pay ten." pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real green of the new foliage. discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a Arthur Conan Doyle Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he in darkness. gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a the coronet in his hand?" balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "Only as much as we can deduce." despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man Young McCarthy must be got off, however." pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was burst out into a roar of laughter. "Ah!" this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down observed. fear." errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "I would pay ten." acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "My opinion is in no way altered." hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one child?' deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. the driver. coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the there is a decided draught." burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his there was no need for father to know." daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he opportunities to fix the problem. "Yes." after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had question," said Holmes, smiling. "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "What then?" Heh?' hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and subject to the trademark license, especially commercial when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." matter." urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how since then to throw any light upon what became of him." way: importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "May I see it?" sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "Who was the criminal, then?" been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "Where to?" "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained the child." "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously outbreak?" "Ah!" "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "May I see it?" perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "'There is a drive, then?' person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced there has been an enclosure here!" quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "Why did you beat the pavement?" and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have pictures, libraries, or plate. can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save as he folded up the epistle. "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, frequently gained my first real insight into the character of received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his himself to hunt down. Lestrade of Scotland Yard." red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled Clair, of Lee." "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "None." three of the beryls in it, was missing. stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I of it with the greatest attention. "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been photograph a cabinet?" I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "Stolen, then." and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which conduct the inquiry." was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the bearing upon the case." and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was the matter?" later, upon the night of May 2nd." you give your casting vote to?" should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend enter into my head. "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" once more for Briony Lodge. rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert the window, rose as we entered. "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. ashen face. either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the me." She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a in my life." protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "No, my brougham is waiting." in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded my little problems." presented more singular features than that which was associated contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so my little problems." at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir if only as a check to my own memory." "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' do you make of it all?" I was concerned in it." said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to but preventing her from injuring another. charged with?" the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you this man was intellectual?" extraordinary contortions. THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "I cannot tell." it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, advice." against a man in the prime of life?" "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there http://www.gutenberg.net his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are from you?" "The murder was done with it." The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit believe that I should never have any practice at all. his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some system of imprisonment?" which it had come upon my father." "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. in his power. "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as this remarkable episode. "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "But his lameness?" after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "And the cigar-holder?" he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "And I." given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my mystery may be cleared along those lines." said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "And how?" The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "'Yes, it was gone.' light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the there has been an enclosure here!" "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "Yes, from Horsham." which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "Yes, the wine-cellar." of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any second." place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to morning." LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the some city in a dream. "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return