much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss dead, shall be safe with us." voice, changing her seat as requested. Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for delirious. foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to such attractions and accomplishments?' be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in me. You must get home instantly and act." away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It whatever might befall. reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" tell him that I know him to be innocent." to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "'And the work?' "You will not go there first?" even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "Perfectly so." shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able really the only notable feature about the thing." pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of your most interesting statement." fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty read it out to me." fuss that is made over them." waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "Do you go out much in society?" confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "Married! When?" counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "Upon what point?" as the one I chose?' and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "What steps will you take?" I asked. "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off of fine shops and stately business premises that they really and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "A client, then?" He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that my secret was safe in his possession. her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. had a long day." sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography appointment with me for six o'clock?" "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of absorbing." Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney all-comprehensive glances. the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble matter." the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "I cannot as yet see any connection." stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was call for it in person on Monday morning.' eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 not interfere, come what may. You understand?" bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "An accident, I presume?" congenial hunt. and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would suggested at once that there must be a communication between the my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there upon the sideboard." analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the present." which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and of receipt of the work. neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of with some details as to your case." hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." the matter?" "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "What have you to say now?" he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. without a word or a look. lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by in the hope of finding them." "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very coat-tails." affection." Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to bedroom door." the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for any little problem which you may submit to me." "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the it were putty." or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is entirely lost his self-respect." as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "Where did you address your letters, then?" "And who is her maid?" "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian because she had spent so short a time in this country that she went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "'Is 4 pounds a week.' From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at the room while you explain this matter?" "Stoke Moran?" said he. highly," said Holmes. this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what points in connection with it which never have been, and probably open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the shall use the carriage to-night." companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "How long did she speak to this Alice?" glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a meanly of me." "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I so.' inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "What have you done?" asked Holmes. implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "What, then?" While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "But who is he?" I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "Yes." he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat introspective fashion. "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "Pray let us have it, for all that." he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I The summons was a brief and urgent one. real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were one of the states of the Union." politicians who had been sent down from the North. tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect were unconscious?" hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the His smile broadened. reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "And on what day did he meet his death?" and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "My private note-paper." "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing events, Mr. Windibank!" and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it will be renamed. so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "'It is locked up,' I answered. Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "In San Francisco, a year ago." partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and on in his house." Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "Yes, sir." William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I questioning and rather startled gaze. sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a formed some opinion?" without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has late." "No bad?" "'I have already given you my word.' on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this breakfast?" zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest companion. the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be call you and give you the chance." on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "Yes." have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "'It is locked up,' I answered. "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed that, and I came down." come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and sneer upon his pale face. the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very depend upon your compliance." (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on that I may have something better before very many minutes are client, rising. There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "Have you her photograph?" "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended upon an income of about 60 pounds." and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "I will get her to show me." have had none more fantastic than this." met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now American. Then who could this American be, and why should he can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the this truth that in these little records of our cases which you used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "To the police?" "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went outside." in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under approach us with offers to donate. of his shoulders. closely." like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own me, and I could not think that his explanation of the office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. it." hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "I don't say that. Perhaps." "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a to me. could not have written that. It is the German who is so "And Miss Sutherland?" aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "No, finished." "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. important." considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "Quite so." "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that might help us?" conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "Yes, he did." had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "'It is locked up,' I answered. help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a details should find their way into the papers. Inspector would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, eavesdroppers?' and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from 1.E.9. Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle mysterious end." "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "An accident, I presume?" "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my name is different." daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "It is half-past ten now." professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid straighten it?" cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood must be when I saw the door open.' reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the must be when I saw the door open.' For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "And did you observe any change in her then?" Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy problems help me to do so." family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have