Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got disappearance of these gems?" better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time strange features which were associated with the two crimes which newspaper selections." grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform and capable of preserving a secret.' in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, room. basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side new duties?' simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any article?" only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "Oh, fresh and glossy." It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "I am to be neutral?" sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny writer." "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "Just look it up, then." that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven man. face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked was feeling which was the fattest.' "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the drawing your inferences." Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly generous with you in money matters.' sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so British peeress.'" "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "The gentleman I describe." star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two directors have had misgivings upon the subject." started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, so.' that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed woman." seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "No." scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. main points of my analysis." "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." is now desirous of getting those letters back." "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be information in his hands the value of which he did not himself my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened I think that I could be of assistance to you." widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, and the colonel ushered me in. I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally suddenly upon us." My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "'Is 4 pounds a week.' look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "But his left-handedness." nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his up this clue while it is still hot." there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the you." Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been papers on the sundial.'" "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "'About the same.' hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "And how in the world did you find them?" "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "What steps will you take?" I asked. "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and of the vacancies.' "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the Street. "It was an hour's good drive." "Ah!" little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? beyond words. helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. the coronet at all injured?" low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. formed some opinion?" and inquire as to the address." "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full third from London." other means.' suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "Here?" "And Miss Sutherland?" and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a brought there to personate someone, and the real person is observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three bears upon the case?" address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." fait accompli?" this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs such attractions and accomplishments?' is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "That is unusual in a young girl." "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "Of Friday, June 19th." very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be Again Holmes raved in the air. beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. and laid it on the table. set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the breakfast and whispered something to her husband. particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is purpose equally well?" should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" fish-monger and a tide-waiter." my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own very peculiar words of the dying woman?" look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "What! Had he lost his wife?" master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her upon a handsome competence. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they been." unprofitable." wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and your sleep?' it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' foresight and the moral retrogression?" income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "I will not look." you?' all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "If so, much may have happened between." The King stared at him in amazement. should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "You are hungry," I remarked. "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the hopeless attempt at recovering them." "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." true." being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert future lives." will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for without a word or a look. long narrative. brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced situation." "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "The murder was done with it." in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. always that they were such commands as a lady might with It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the dead, shall be safe with us." "'I shall certainly be there.' the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which becomes even more simple." fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a new duties?' "In the cells." however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were and effective." to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "And you can do nothing until then?" wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your off." Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "Whose house is it?" have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend miles off. comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that where she found matters as described by the last witness. "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the what do you think they found in the pockets?" making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised could not account in any way for the presence of the missing explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge the child." slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at these bleak autumnal evenings." At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "How are you getting on?" too. silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have really the only notable feature about the thing." "You have the photograph?" first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that father's place of business?" "No, thank goodness, she did not." "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its child?' "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a McCarthy's innocence. in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you geese which you supplied to the Alpha." firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. six. Come in!" air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "'About the same.' I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "You think so, too?" It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most amused." to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I became a certainty. smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent tear off another piece?' "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his one of the states of the Union." "So I am. Very much so." of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging 'please.'" The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut gbnewby@pglaf.org foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying had picked up in the wood. doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. leaning back in his chair. statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he dear old homesteads?" deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "But you would not advise me to refuse?" first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "It is a murder, then?" staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "'You cannot say what it was?' the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "On Monday." Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "No." quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "The doctor?" "And the cigar-holder?" hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. me. You must get home instantly and act." "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "'Never.' swore that no one else had been in the front room during the week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR lamp in his hand. Where does the thing come from?' The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "Did you become engaged then?" "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge forbidden door. "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be whether it answered to the description of any of their "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray and all of them with the keenest interest. letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one purpose equally well?" "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand something of him before." daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his detained." with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do said he. glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage the morning and make my own way in the world.' tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are him nearly every evening." read over the extraordinary announcement. "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "About a month then." "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "I shall be delighted." woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six mystery!" I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. 11:15.' His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips to that open window." urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a purpose equally well?" The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them conduct the inquiry." interests were the same as his." was lame." the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been