branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, My friend smiled. trifles." the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. cigars in the box." "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a room had already been engaged for us. unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "And Irene Adler?" The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him details should find their way into the papers. Inspector could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' brandy and water within his reach. should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were less than 26s. 4d. him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "And you thought he was pulled back?" "And you can do nothing until then?" corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily when your master had gone out." creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" know all about it," he snarled. sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "None. Neville wrote those words." Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in the best of training." most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "No bad?" down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will to you." "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or death." "Married! When?" zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon forehead. 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but hand, madam?" salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he call it cruel." opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "What, then?" Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure this unhappy family?" young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "Is he quiet?" have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "If I can be of use." Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "'Certainly not.' have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let have had none more fantastic than this." beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, matters immensely." were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "What will you do, then?" owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he results." which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "The doctor?" words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the hard-headed British jury." "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "What then?" "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." tied." and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured and put his glass in his pocket. premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle the morning and make my own way in the world.' gone. "Very much so." stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and in one or two places in England?' in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "'Yes.' I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate hour?' august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to I shall communicate with you." "Your presence might be invaluable." found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "Yes, there are nearly always some there." the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle the dangers which encompass me." "Then how many are there?" acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with miles off. have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful trying to your nerves." "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "And from a noble client?" by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he breakfast." upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "Yes." "Who by?" A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more other, as fresh and trim as possible. "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "The rest you will leave in our hands." the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, know what is wrong with it.' houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly helping a boy to put up the shutters. where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed trifles." so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But vague figure huddled up in the darkness. Holmes. him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if yet." property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "How do you know, then?" rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view I took the paper from him and read as follows: been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "You have it, sir, just as it happened." When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "Yesterday." "I have hopes." but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you easy-going way." "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray instincts rose up against that laugh. by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at because she had spent so short a time in this country that she I think that I could be of assistance to you." and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is tension within him. "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. during that time.' rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "You know me, then?" Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have beg that you will break it off." harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "Precisely so. But how--" My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "I was certainly surprised to find you there." presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual the house with me." Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then several quiet little villages up there." conclusions. you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "No more words. Get out!" Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. morning." before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, the window, rose as we entered. "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "You know me, then?" Young McCarthy must be got off, however." desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and in his hands." which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so ways of our fellow-men." need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was point our research must commence, and we will begin it by a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a as the one I chose?' "The best possible." "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "In heaven's name, what for?" "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself envelope. "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" But Holmes shook his head gravely. I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "I don't say that. Perhaps." clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 within hail.' question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they investigation." complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "Nearly eleven." question," said Holmes, smiling. "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "And why?" that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's fatally injured? particular state visit http://pglaf.org mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "Oh, the cause is excellent!" which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "Yes." "Then what has happened to him?" we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "Do you go out much in society?" furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could lumber-room." "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and that he will be back before evening." knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their 1.E.9. had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with Arthur Conan Doyle take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "I should be immensely obliged to you." right! Sit down and let us talk it over." shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the following enigmatical notices: empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth became a certainty. "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the instincts rose up against that laugh. "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "'A dozen yards or so.' definite end. concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." his forehead." master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. money should be paid at once.' desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "That also I could fathom." rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a four million human beings all jostling each other within the his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. Watson," he said cordially. flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear spark where all is dark to me." black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase little adventures." could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" get her out of the way." (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "She showed me, as I told you she would." "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting second window is the one that I jumped from." imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "Nearly eleven." bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "So it appears." certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "Nothing." "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable think you a quite exceptional woman." emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "Yes, at the mines." occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, some water from a caraffe. room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new started for the Temple to see my husband. and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two during which he might have communicated with his friend the to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "It is half-past ten now." down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "That is unusual in a young girl." to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated Eyford at 11:15.' finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "He might." dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "On the contrary, this is the right side." "I know where it is." feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we read it out to me." distinguish the words: himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without Eyford." he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the Literary Archive Foundation enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" go from here to the Strand." the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she crime. George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my to his chemical studies. they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "And on what day did he meet his death?" until night should bring an explanation. the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our