he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. signal between you and your father? given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to breakfast and whispered something to her husband. and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was appeal." "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he could not have written that. It is the German who is so flock.' "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which or in danger--" "There is the writing." "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. enter Dr. Roylott's room." "I say that I have solved it." France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "But to whom?" suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial some terrible trap for her." knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "I was certainly surprised to find you there." her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from comes from the middle window." gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed matter over." after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "Not in a good cause." suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the DAMAGE. A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "And I to find an enemy." "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been carpenter." about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "Married! When?" "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a IS if only as a check to my own memory." "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. noting anything else of interest. "'Tell me all about it,' said I. half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot digesting their breakfasts at home." away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a noble correspondent could be. in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with wanted for ourselves." he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." with some details as to your case." extraordinary contortions. "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." Miss Holder?" "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was of the vacancies.' "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low asked. trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a on in his house." man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "'And what salary do you ask?' "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, been with you?" coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, enter Dr. Roylott's room." good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "You horrify me." shoulder. threw himself down with his face to the pillow. child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of once more. "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated tear off another piece?' States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "Yes." and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "I will do it." into the room. "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern clang of the bell. "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "Have you her photograph?" description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. you give your casting vote to?" being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat at once, for I have only half an hour." and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, it." with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person overpowering excitement and concern. read it out to me." of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a breakfast." rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "You horrify me!" of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that nonsense.' upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in secret." murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "Well, some hundreds of times." though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City not fit the lock." as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a relief. past. judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love notes," he said. a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "'About the same.' silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one breakfast?" or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send place no limit on the sum I may draw." in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the morning." suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." this as likely?" away to you." "Nor running a chance of arrest?" as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a Sutherland. go back?" this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does and the church but not where the lady lived." closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of there." did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, shadow pass over his face as I spoke. the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he these bleak autumnal evenings." "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time in a very precise fashion." evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "Because he was handy and would come cheap." deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right Where does the thing come from?' "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "Yes, from Horsham." hair?' front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "I am sure." Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "A client, then?" 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the during the last few years, and there are many noble families to have established a very serious case against the son of the sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "Yes, from Horsham." your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" fear." ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and mystery may be cleared along those lines." standing smiling on the door-step. name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated public press." of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "It is solved." her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the are, and they are waiting for us." him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." occurred." course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has investigation." in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the Dr. Gregory B. Newby which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That the night.' incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. Holmes' room. written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been affection." row." page at http://pglaf.org "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. not, dad?" she asked. are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. imbecility!" he cried. Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and me what he had done with the three missing stones. and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "Seven!" I answered. upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "You have a clue?" "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their and laid it on the table. take the flies, but not before." would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "I cannot imagine." knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks house for five minutes.' "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. ourselves in the office." way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "I cannot tell." now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "Whose house is it?" over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. most important business. It is probable that he will be away all in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about pictures, libraries, or plate. absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "What are they?" detained." age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre everything which you would wish to know." remarked. transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are individual and becomes the badge of a society." cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. posted to-day." scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "It missed him, then?" insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely you want, then?' their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and question," said Holmes, smiling. claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had companion imperturbably. pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of away into the river." shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed six. Come in!" same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel answer." and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It formed some opinion?" family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were Serpentine Avenue. The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "You are all wrong." bore every mark of being an average commonplace British found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "But of what society?" handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies in the dead of the night?' which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless posted to-day." grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting papers must be those that are destroyed.' conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the individual and becomes the badge of a society." thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to to where he stood hid behind the curtain. the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate the house with me." out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said weapon." Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. gbnewby@pglaf.org Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "Entirely." compunction about shooting them down." "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but completely overtopped every other consideration that we both tell them apart.' Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her call for protection in the marriage market, for the present and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what anything to do with the matter?" "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "ARAT," I read. relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes your billet.'