be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "And the cigar-holder?" "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "'Entirely.' desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "And now?" I asked. extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I few hundred pounds.' "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing to change my dress. the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "And you don't know his address?" and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" Street. considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "I cannot say that I have." Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came Chief Executive and Director his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining fear." with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "A confidential servant?" still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then brought there to personate someone, and the real person is had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and of the vacancies.' to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "Well, but China?" "Of what?" like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "You did not overhear what they said?" do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. have had none more fantastic than this." "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "Tired-looking or fresh?" for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "You are certainly joking, Holmes." you want, then?' that you can jump it.' leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the round and wave him away like that.' outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. the armchair which I pushed forward for him. hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and lectures into a series of tales." but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive the King without delay." "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "'You cannot say what it was?' the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were whether it answered to the description of any of their against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, I shall communicate with you." Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. in the port of London." But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that morning." License. You must require such a user to return or "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "He is still with you, I presume?" all that?" where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he do.' bird I ate is country bred." Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the whereabouts. "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "I warn you that they are very incomplete." detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "And the cigar-holder?" flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "Yes." As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets beg that you will break it off." is now desirous of getting those letters back." "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "Witness: Nothing definite. at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very this poor creature." 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "But what will you do?" danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, Does that suggest anything?" robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. handed it to him. the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low any little problem which you may submit to me." fear." I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria papers must be those that are destroyed.' The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, you." clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "Her father is very rich?" "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, for securing the situation." "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "My dear Holmes!" "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "Just look it up, then." learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "'Where could I find him?' any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for she has been waylaid. There has been no result." could go. managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs introspective fashion. made him keep the appointment." of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "And you thought he was pulled back?" prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "And who is her maid?" thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a done what I asked you, Jones?" danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "Not social, then?" glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter side. had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had will he say when he returns?" "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent coat-tails." one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, extraordinary contortions. deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you tell me that you intended to go into harness." miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the really the only notable feature about the thing." "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "That also I could fathom." number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed some city in a dream. her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a deduce something from that?" "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect which we had just quitted. "But of what society?" Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I investigation." "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." three of the beryls in it, was missing. nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "I have a cab outside." Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, and no precautions can guard against." took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a call for protection in the marriage market, for the present down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his interest. They are important, you understand, without being his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and gone. really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this use an arc-and-compass breastpin." them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." important." upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If before the coroner and the police-court." it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "I see no marks." and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "One?" have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "How on earth--" He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their hereditary King of Bohemia." customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "Never." "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "Certainly." withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the hands. very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors he bowed and left the room without another word. explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his minor matters until to-morrow." "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this the nursery. rooms." is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "It goes to the housekeeper's room." grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I lamp. before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I Count Von Kramm." "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said stood on the top of it. several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with emerged. when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a I held the little printed slip to the light. window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "What then?" during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for easy-going way." "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "Perhaps I have." "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "'You cannot say what it was?' dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "And that is--" will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "It missed him, then?" thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." were unconscious?" have been better. It is all right." with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." will take you up to see the machine.' connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "And for present expenses?" agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to was a perfect sample of the class. incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed spare." but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. wife's character?" I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing and have this put in the evening papers." American. Then who could this American be, and why should he firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk Holmes' room. hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "Nothing." conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly and put his glass in his pocket. affair. "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was were new raised from a basin. calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "He said that you could solve anything." middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "I cannot imagine." crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "We have tried and failed." police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether