"Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "But your client--" refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more whole matter to your consideration." moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. was shining brightly. that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more subject to the trademark license, especially commercial Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I tapping his fingers upon the table. here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, hair?' to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in him to go away.' in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for over with notes and figures. which are rolled in Rotterdam." outsides of the windows. "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "Was there a secret marriage?" make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is lumber-room." all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "Absolutely none." address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice within hail.' McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into means taking possession of that which another person has a prior kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You footfalls from the street. honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged copied or distributed: man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and read over the extraordinary announcement. broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been the Assizes." down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, his knees, staring into the fire. when you have done it." "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign crowd. with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double to go into your room and bar your shutters?" surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time your equipment. if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not neither fascinating nor artistic." sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; amused." to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other drawing your inferences." anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and instincts rose up against that laugh. "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that anything to a woman, for she would have her way." and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew tell me that you intended to go into harness." all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "Certainly." whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" His smile broadened. whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into the coroner come to?" my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation there was no need for father to know." peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish with her." We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop Lee, in the county of Kent." but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first do.' opened a pocket-book and took out a note. round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent residence of the great financier. "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed rose-bushes. galvanised. "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "It is very kind of you." "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action for and were ordered to this address. is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "Perhaps I have." breakfast." "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. at a side door. Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." Pool. "Texas, I think." "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "Yes, only one." been deceived." waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger and files of the old papers, following the future career of every Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of States. my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "The gentleman I describe." trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "I say that I have solved it." having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the assist you in forming an opinion." stalked out of the room. "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "I have come for advice." made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your Edgeware Road. even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "'Yes, sir.' determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "I would pay ten." "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "No, but the enclosure is." He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon which was all perfectly true. discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "I cannot tell." thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards their singular warning or token before them when starting upon investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, suspect him." swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's thin legs towards the fire. father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his least a most suspicious remark." "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "What! Had he lost his wife?" refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "'What then?' I asked. detective. Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "His face fell immediately. thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock sparkled upon his finger. woman who has had her own way to make in the world. the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents you want, then?' How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of where we are going." morning." some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the stood on the top of it. the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. flock.' as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my quickly through a disagreeable task. earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "Just look it up, then." part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black from you?" Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to detective. much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did in the dead of the night?' "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which without a word or a look. As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. lost his Christmas dinner." But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. soul! here is her carriage at the door." to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your your equipment. means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure is a common subject for conversation. "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off said he. hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "What have you to say now?" here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the recover the gem." outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden laugh and put his lips to my ear. that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "And on what day did he meet his death?" you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of him and tried to hold him back. in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "I will do it." works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning someone who had been in Australia." fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "'Certainly,' I answered. lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that not, dad?" she asked. occurred." 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at the coronet in his hands?" why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "My dear Holmes!" there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, points to suicide?" good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a good-night and bustled off upon her way. and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself dear old homesteads?" collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "I will get her to show me." Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "What do you mean?" "Where did you address your letters, then?" "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "What, then?" "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going brandy and water within his reach. "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "A thing like a cleaver," said he. the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he I shall communicate with you." of Mr. Rucastle's." with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "She will not sell." "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any chance at all." who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect been shamefully used." and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I instituted." there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "Imitated." "At what time?" Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which vague figure huddled up in the darkness. in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." mysterious business." public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE congenial hunt. "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the strange features which were associated with the two crimes which IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten them?" however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. the devil!" unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way always that they were such commands as a lady might with himself to tell his story. against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all returning from some small jollification and was making his way cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of to-morrow." the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of them?" "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to him!" "'What then?' I asked. companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "And for present expenses?" he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "And when will you call?" "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "It was an hour's good drive." "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 the general public were present, then?" accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a purpose equally well?" human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "And sit in the dark?" seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should status with the IRS. and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, my room." black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a call for it in person on Monday morning.' to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "One of the highest in England." forbidden door. yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you interest. They are important, you understand, without being young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "Is he quiet?" "How did you deduce the select?" pound a week." prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "Dark enough and sinister enough." I nodded to show that I had heard. permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "Pray tell us what has happened to you." We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the the King without delay." business?"