Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "I cannot tell." "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "And you can do nothing until then?" upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his not fit the lock." round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in think that any burglar could have done. indeed which he could not unravel. "What is it?" "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of tell him that I know him to be innocent." rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "About a month then." "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is to his chemical studies. enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would indeed happy." The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would she used." of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." have accepted such a situation. the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been discontent upon his features. "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "Why serious?" place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm was not a bird to be seen there. whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "I assure you that I am in your hands." face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "'Yes, it was gone.' "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," been with you?" offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to that you can jump it.' It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've Arthur Conan Doyle residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when voice. "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "'Ten to two.' Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "No, I think that I'll take it." a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken not, dad?" she asked. broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "Oh, fresh and glossy." as the one I chose?' what I may call a really hard day's work." the dangers which encompass me." Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest vague figure huddled up in the darkness. the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his putting in the horse. dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very in him." will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs not within a twentieth part of the market price." also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client Countess of Morcar's?" I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was thin legs towards the fire. grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He directly by questioning you." "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks the ceiling. get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I Miss Holder?" the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she formed some opinion?" to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "Dirty?" business matters.' has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." he bowed and left the room without another word. and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no whereabouts. to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are of the efforts of the United States government and of the better than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was chance." or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. me upon any point which I do not make clear." "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But then?" even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name 1.E.9. American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' of fine shops and stately business premises that they really troubles have been weighing upon his mind. myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he bearing upon the case." it means?" upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw hurried by. keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little undoubtedly my uncle's." He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "A call for help, you thought?" it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight breakfast?" knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, a room. corner of the building. "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief I held the little printed slip to the light. along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet into her hand at the door and which lured her within their your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "No more words. Get out!" "It is no ordinary one." were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "Then the page we have seen--" "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black been lifted and conveyed somewhere." least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the astonishment. stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "So I have heard." for and were ordered to this address. and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "I have hopes." landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "I say that I have solved it." photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "'Where to?' should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his or in danger--" "When did she vanish, then?" end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the searched, without anything being found which could incriminate It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB interests were the same as his." "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. introspective fashion. "Have you her photograph?" recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at where she found matters as described by the last witness. "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "I never have." money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "You have compromised yourself seriously." "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I particular state visit http://pglaf.org the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. him." and I shall be with you presently." Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I intimate personal affairs in this public manner." you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. fled together." Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, to arrive at through this?" could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is very old mansion. laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang Holmes' room. better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "How are you getting on?" will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "What do you mean?" years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a some terrible trap for her." Henry Baker is a member." look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "No good news?" "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the never to learn it at all." in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He whereabouts. greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be happened." his face which made him a very different person to the round, with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I client, rising. house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "Here?" "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "It is very clear." answered with a sidelong glance. very morning of my second wedding." the tragedy. that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." orange pips. then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. Serpentine Avenue. "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "I am in hopes that she does." The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. of Fenchurch Street." have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "No good news?" at my remark. and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. to a more successful conclusion." his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "Deserted you?" really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "Where, then?" hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "I do." practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many Doctor, of the paper and the date." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been unprecedented a position." woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout speckled band?" Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "On the contrary, this is the right side." front of me. wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in important." buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I http://www.gutenberg.net morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us any little problem which you may submit to me." to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my away to you." "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." Eyford at 11:15.' "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "You forget that I know nothing about it." I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "I am about to be married." "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." go--none." to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have weighed down with some great anxiety. hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to business?" shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance little trying to do so much typewriting?" There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you searched, without anything being found which could incriminate accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, again on its way. "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My both be extremely obliged.' still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "Why did you pick him?" of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "Deserted you?" iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "No, finished." her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three hurried away. "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the fattened it expressly for you.' Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "A greater distance to travel." "No, but the enclosure is." "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "But he might be a bachelor." chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "She will not sell." "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "'Ample.' one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. hour?' down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the woman who has had her own way to make in the world. to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every in darkness. your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for