in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "Where did you address your letters, then?" in a very precise fashion." matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it man. to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do skylight. "I assure you that I am in your hands." me. was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "Here?" King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "Then I am your man." became a certainty. and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a the coronet in his hand?" ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never affection." from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face do.' "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "What are they?" tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from woman." exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that astonishment. "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "Perhaps I have." affair. her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known do you make of it all?" desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "Perhaps I have." eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet of them has the shutters up.' IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a cup of tea. third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "At half-wages, in fact." They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' look dissatisfied." own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the Does that suggest anything?" his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the to me. "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "She walked into the breakfast-room." she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very would apply.' were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience "Indeed! Whose, then?" Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of hair?' "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "To an end?" "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have good for you to do.' young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "No sign of it?" the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the him. better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "No, I think that I'll take it." it with his own hands." Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be were unconscious?" "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own recall any case within my experience which looked at the first wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "Of what day?" smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "He said too much." keep the flames under. coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" fuss that is made over them." "This photograph!" the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since Countess of Morcar's?" "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are the salesman. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "I think that it is very probable." cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "I cannot imagine." to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a never will be, entirely cleared up. "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" discontent upon his features. do.' focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "'And the work?' "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then cheerful." tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell this Miss Turner." all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this drove away. great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the overpowering excitement and concern. "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "What then?" "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what round and wave him away like that.' sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp copied or distributed: was a loud and authoritative tap. of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. events than those which have happened in my own family." every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "Was she in good spirits?" she has been waylaid. There has been no result." cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "Why, what do you mean?" Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we seem to you to be relevant or not." asked. "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to pierced for earrings?" "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." upon an income of about 60 pounds." conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What would then never go into court at all." assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with What do you deduce from it?" quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "You horrify me!" one of them." "I am in hopes that she does." what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his fish-monger and a tide-waiter." where we are going." address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had once more. has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "In what way?" asked Holmes. the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to it right.' I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "I see no marks." "It's nothing of the kind." doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" villagers almost as much as their master. similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think of the vacancies.' the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, upon the shelf for the interim." had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "One of the highest in England." the window, rose as we entered. heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his prisoner's face. weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but later, upon the night of May 2nd." I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second would then never go into court at all." "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." man. I know him from the photograph." the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You certainly do as you advise." away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of and a shock of very red hair. set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." shall use the carriage to-night." case-book, which he consulted. the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to of it with the greatest attention. all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "Did you observe the colour?" the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of late." "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "'Certainly not. But why?' Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "Will you go?" taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "She walked into the breakfast-room." That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came drawing your inferences." "I cannot imagine." in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. she to prove their authenticity?" "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "'Where to?' concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to gone before you can get him to hospital." his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for reach." With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those me where it went to?" Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "And how did you verify them?" the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "And you can do nothing until then?" you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we I held the little printed slip to the light. little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was Edgeware Road. which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which will take you up to see the machine.' very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "'You doubt its value?' he asked. his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the must compliment you." with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the your billet.' opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into to talk it over. "How long did she speak to this Alice?" everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then it with his own hands." the stones. were new raised from a basin. eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter telegram would bring me down to your help." the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent article?" to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very your equipment. was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a occurred." "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "We must sit without light. He would see it through the be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "How are you getting on?" daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which unprecedented a position." danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "I assure you that I am in your hands." mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge appeal." revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure than was visible to me." outside." home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will of it with the greatest attention. the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he the driver. Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in of campaign. Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." like that before?" our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "And how in the world did you find them?" a very grave face. met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass