from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and entirely lost his self-respect." in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are thin legs towards the fire. very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other London for the present?" "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously vanished into the darkness. the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "How do you know, then?" "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. Countess of Morcar's?" ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "If I can be of use." "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that delighted to hear it," he said. without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "You think that he is dead?" I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "He is dead," cried several voices. and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "Was there a secret marriage?" bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" following enigmatical notices: living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me mystery may be cleared along those lines." permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "To ruin me." sentimental considerations in the background which would induce typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. strength of mind to control. before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between lost nothing by them." It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending your own bird, so if you wish--" cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "My private note-paper." people in all walks of life. confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, populous neighbourhood." Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "None." "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must of Fenchurch Street." 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "In what way?" asked Holmes. detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "At half-wages, in fact." blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' bachelor.' back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "I would pay ten." too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "Of what?" depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having the dangers which encompass me." "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two dates and names. lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at hurried away. answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but she used." "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." children over to America with him, so that I found myself without submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it humiliation." tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "And from a noble client?" glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "May I see it?" seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child You can understand that this register and diary may implicate Holmes rather sternly. as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." him, that man would not have given me such complete information "I think that it is very probable." "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "Very much so." Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "Has he come with you to-night?" of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's detained." about. while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It your Highness to the police-station?" husband's writing, madam." chance." his wife has ceased to love him." conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right hour?' "Perfectly so." moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were acted in my house last night?" Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to an introduction to him?" "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My breakfast?" "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given even of instruction." premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. someone who had been in Australia." husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "What! a murderous attack?" above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "That sounds a little paradoxical." "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the during which he might have communicated with his friend the that?' no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy his grey eyes. key turn in the lock." form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "Frequently." I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "I should wish to." "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "And leave your case unfinished?" one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which client, rising. have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to direction." in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project Serpentine Avenue. peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster existence." "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. hand, madam?" instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending Heh?' passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning woman who has had her own way to make in the world. arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should grasp, he hurried from the room. the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. was a lad." "Stolen, then." have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "Very much so." bird of prey. "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. sofa. This way, please!" upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a footfalls from the street. "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "'Is 4 pounds a week.' quite distinctive." felt the room to be a little close.' broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they note?" "Why? What do you mean?" "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and http://www.gutenberg.net that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that views." There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "How did that help you?" difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the dead, shall be safe with us." Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "'Where could I find him?' "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very you." "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "Ample." With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "How on earth--" "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "Not social, then?" less than 26s. 4d. Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a until night should bring an explanation. society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I our word." compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of breakfast?" contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a crackling voice. what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to assist you in forming an opinion." just ask you whether you had heard it.' "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to particular state visit http://pglaf.org "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "Really! You surprise me." would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "I have a cab outside." "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "Never to return." granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "But she will refuse." have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her bed dies. Does not that strike you?" simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send ashen face. knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded simple cases which are so extremely difficult." developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "Not yet." following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. residence of the great financier. the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "Why? What do you mean?" his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "Yes." vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "I beg pardon." fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I friend's singular character. bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. placed his cuttings. pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "I see many objections to any such theory." public press." pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "Was he the only applicant?" room. "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking anything to a woman, for she would have her way." in one or two places in England?' "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from begun to whiten, even as mine has." present strange and interesting features that it is no easy man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall Serpentine Avenue. child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a very peculiar words of the dying woman?" a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock key turn in the lock." "I will get her to show me." woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "'Where to?' and shall probably return to London by the evening train." and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia cup of tea. The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said was not a bird to be seen there. an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" entirely lost his self-respect." shoulder. "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat other, as fresh and trim as possible. as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "Yes." served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial was a loud and authoritative tap. opened a pocket-book and took out a note. use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "That is easily got." "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. during which he might have communicated with his friend the to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be constraint." have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without not, dad?" she asked. the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "By no means." it means?" across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was ordinary clothes on?" door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, be there in time for your coming." is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." washing it down with a long draught of water. 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact province." had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard main points of my analysis." and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "10th. John Swain cleared. "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of maid will bring up your coffee." said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from guilty one." out." while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of