scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "She showed me, as I told you she would." "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to vague figure huddled up in the darkness. away in different directions, and I went off to make my own after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I correct than the official force." this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, miles off. "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. children over to America with him, so that I found myself without shaken than I had ever seen him. passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "Yes." lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "I cannot imagine." away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, is so. I know all about McCarthy." Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I which it had come upon my father." Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to room. "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were skylight. answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to your sleep?' "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for business." "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded him to be an active member of the medical profession." animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, which I could not give. He asked for Alice. over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down said I. Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my congratulate you again." married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their felt the room to be a little close.' Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his http://www.gutenberg.net the coronet in his hands?" There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the made him keep the appointment." down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The she used." "Of Friday, June 19th." and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "Never." "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to God! What an exposure! What can I do?" pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up everything which you would wish to know." became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good help us in this matter." ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an bled considerably." LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: little adventures." and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles this Miss Turner." prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "Here?" "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I about. my little problems." But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and she slowly sank and died without having recovered her woven round him. make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "On the contrary, this is the right side." crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "I shall most certainly do so." the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "'About the same.' expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "Never." "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "A client, then?" confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to was the fact that his father should, according to his account, Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it open." too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "The knees of his trousers." of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "None. Neville wrote those words." "I have solved it." on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring said I. "Whose house is it?" unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an danger is over." Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew lips." unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "No." tension within him. that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "Where did he live, then?" There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "But she could not love him." away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the me." down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his yards of it?' for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "I fear not." the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "'And the work?' "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. lectures into a series of tales." hurried away. propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "But how could you guess what the motive was?" fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to father's place of business?" not come at once?" "Not I." "Was he the only applicant?" "You have it, sir, just as it happened." year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "If so, much may have happened between." mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "I should wish to." values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "And you thought he was pulled back?" "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. shoulder. There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "I am about to be married." "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "I am sure." lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." bird I ate is country bred." and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "A call for help, you thought?" room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come furiously. of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. furiously. are windows in it, of course?" is so. I know all about McCarthy." for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. the date of his supposed suicide." "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at more solid." the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in coroner's jury." so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "No, I am descending." it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer British peeress.'" black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "But of what society?" life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "Not yet." friend's singular character. story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in Lestrade of Scotland Yard." feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "I was certainly surprised to find you there." fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "No." circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "I assure you that I am in your hands." and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend such person." well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, weigh very heavily upon my conscience." stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question of." 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" hair?' habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the get her out of the way." and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing and files of the old papers, following the future career of every noting anything else of interest. Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes leave you to your papers for a little." clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a from you?" "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in had this final quarrel? the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were and the colonel ushered me in. weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant along the entire front of the house, with three long windows had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." think that he is innocent?" Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug guilty one." "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "Only as much as we can deduce." went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given License. You must require such a user to return or until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are bearing upon the case." the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. I approached. tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we said I. has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "Yes, all." cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "Now, then, what's the last entry?" be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "There are none." therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "Stolen." "I am sure." "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be you." I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he past. One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "'Where to?' "'What are you doing there?' he asked. derbies." "Have you it here?" tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB three of the beryls in it, was missing. manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his said he. "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project pity, because in other respects you would really have done very are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a is worth.' pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "No, thank goodness, she did not." train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing fled together." "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "You have the photograph?" very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, ashen face. advice." stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "Perhaps I have." Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." your bag." they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "Entirely." in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "He is dead," cried several voices. kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "I cannot say that I have." relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." perplexity from it to my illustrious client. Cross for the Continent." "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. is now desirous of getting those letters back."