"The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "I would pay ten." made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done ordinary clothes on?" the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather the stones. dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "I should wish to." "And I to find an enemy." they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "The Cedars?" relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door nonsense.' "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell horse could go." stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was Chief Executive and Director what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly your troubles." say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to ventilator." when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "No. What a strange idea!" back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "A thing like a cleaver," said he. And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I and shall probably return to London by the evening train." Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "But what will you do?" sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock question you as to those details which seem to me to be most flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at very peculiar words of the dying woman?" When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "From his hat?" "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "So I heard. You have him here?" "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you burst out into a roar of laughter. my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now carpenter." clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), of his shoulders. considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. of the vacancies.' to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." jewels which you have stolen?' Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "A confidential servant?" "What! Had he lost his wife?" actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by open." town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "How are you getting on?" "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we of note-paper. It read in this fashion: not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." it were putty." my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "'And what are they worth?' I asked. a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without manager. "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "No, thank goodness, she did not." Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, into the bag, and made for the door. "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "And I to find an enemy." vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "What do you mean?" Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be points to suicide?" was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of begun to whiten, even as mine has." the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor any little problem which you may submit to me." to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. taking in every detail of the apartment. It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "Quite so." "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "None." broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the The note was undated, and without either signature or address. to tell." There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us works. See paragraph 1.E below. "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a do." Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "'It is locked up,' I answered. their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small ourselves in the office." "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "Witness: It was. be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. chill to my heart. Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon man. I know him from the photograph." have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what chemical work which was so dear to him. He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' McCarthy." "But his left-handedness." "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, what I may call a really hard day's work." skylight. Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "And Miss Sutherland?" terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked our word." glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "But you were on a friendly footing?" paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "Not yet." "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "'Stolen!' he cried. photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we will not take me long to tell. old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "No." hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "One?" ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I wife's character?" then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "Game for a morning drive?" my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the writing, and yet I know it well." presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were instincts rose up against that laugh. "There are none." "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "I see no marks." deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to started for the Temple to see my husband. "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed call for protection in the marriage market, for the present necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the disappearance of these gems?" "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, enter into my head. woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, situation." so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "I assure you that I am in your hands." have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable one else, I think." "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "None." have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I nice household for a young lady." "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. Eyford at 11:15.' later, upon the night of May 2nd." "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he man. became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it of Fenchurch Street." suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "You did not overhear what they said?" "I am to be neutral?" most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "Yes." "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "He disappeared so suddenly." "Has he come with you to-night?" "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup meant." "No, thank goodness, she did not." memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in in a friendly supper." "ARAT," I read. fat-encircled eyes. this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of the King without delay." Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I you understand?" clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "But she could not love him." himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "How did he come?" it." Holmes rather sternly. business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I corner of the building. Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "I have come for advice." Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the be.' "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "And I." retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "Precisely so. But how--" "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what fait accompli?" "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. about here speaks of his kindness to him." suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "I would give my fortune to have them back." by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "No more words. Get out!" laugh and put his lips to my ear. "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little lost his Christmas dinner." "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "What can you not understand?" This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "Nothing." "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an the bed, and you in that chair." to change my dress. problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "Get out!" said he. qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their drove away. the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, to-night?' "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could future lives." would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "And what then?" leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "I have solved it." Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until vanished into the darkness. "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." child?' unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to giving me time to thank him. "And who is her maid?" family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say washing it down with a long draught of water. do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "Certainly, madam." my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent