new duties?' serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the thirty. the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "And what did you see?" Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the my room." village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. she might be summoned. "Well?" telegram would bring me down to your help." very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are disappearance of these gems?" used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting hour?' "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. that, and I came down." twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked out." with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would money should be paid at once.' their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a is acting for the best. encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." helping a boy to put up the shutters. It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to fasten all the windows?" effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, possible that we could bring him back to her? column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "The Cedars?" invisible to me," I remarked. "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "No, distinctly professional." broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For friends, not even his own brother. rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a said he. the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, populous neighbourhood." appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "No good news?" "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons to-night's adventure." as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to will take you up to see the machine.' have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to infinite languor in his face. month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project she has been waylaid. There has been no result." took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet weary and pale-looking. be. imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "9th. McCauley cleared. akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and fear." the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little without a word or a look. outbreak?" protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater companion. piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his problems help me to do so." them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from of receipt of the work. "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "You are all wrong." out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "Yes, at the mines." donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the to some other building. front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "That is unusual in a young girl." "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been before the coroner and the police-court." I approached. What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him now. It seems that there had been some informality about their the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before astonishment. advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her into the bag, and made for the door. occupations.' Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes burst out into a roar of laughter. "What have you to say now?" the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "Very. But will he see it?" same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your invisible to me," I remarked. find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up there were so many in the whole country as were brought together address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to have established a very serious case against the son of the against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "Where to?" learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are new duties?' sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor his fortune, and I went back to pa. "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses strong reason behind." inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent lost nothing by them." and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and be there in time for your coming." Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies place no limit on the sum I may draw." the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to over part of the map. "What do you read?" "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "You saw the ventilator, too?" lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "It came here." all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself you want, then?' have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He conduct the inquiry." the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his directors have had misgivings upon the subject." of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was husband's writing, madam." Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have looking up at the numbers of the houses." having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very fasten all the windows?" seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." as this. Pray let me have the details." It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had legal crime." man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "It was an hour's good drive." "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "Yes." I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "Absolutely?" what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a and inquire as to the address." look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little Mary, has deserted me." all-comprehensive glances. directors have had misgivings upon the subject." sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at generous with you in money matters.' "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at point in the dark hollow of his hand. like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his his forehead." than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a get the tickets." *** START: FULL LICENSE *** house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and a suggestive one." like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "Then what has happened to him?" would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and certainly do as you advise." prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way prison!" wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young affair. down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' along the entire front of the house, with three long windows an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would confronted him. "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." distinguish the words: finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of the salesman. wedding?" "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you with her." and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy six. Come in!" business came to an end." conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "But I am all in the dark." Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter of the one which your family is now devouring." matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "And you can do nothing until then?" step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. closing the door. staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "Two days later this same performance was gone through under in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "'Oh, no.' "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than obstinate." and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "What then?" you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away open." make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "Who was the criminal, then?" another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "I cannot think." smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "You horrify me!" pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and and put his glass in his pocket. man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are man. "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the States. "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to your billet.' "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and some city in a dream. the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a you." the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "We have tried and failed." carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for arrested. You then--" prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it seem to you to be relevant or not." him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" read it out to me." for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the wedding?" back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with suddenly upon us." annoyance, but no jest. him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own father's young wife. up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, good for you to do.' slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire anything to do with the matter?" heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses was a lad." utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "Yes." Leadenhall Street--and--" photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would