that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "No, I think that I'll take it." the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined as he folded up the epistle. the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "I have come for advice." of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of anything to do with the matter?" the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind stepfather?" every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been place of silver." space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, grasp, he hurried from the room. scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy and the whole place is in a blaze." at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the woman who has had her own way to make in the world. him nearly every evening." will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "And help." "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you read it out to me." "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." straighten it?" uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for shall not find me ungrateful." by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so infinite languor in his face. "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever narrative." of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other strode off upon his way. material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "I say that I have solved it." of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, tassel actually lying upon the pillow. good-night and bustled off upon her way. you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? detective. three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "Where, indeed?" "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "It is possible." The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This into the bag, and made for the door. "Yes." "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the and the church but not where the lady lived." "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My that, and I came down." Watson," he said cordially. without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "ARAT," I read. maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the congratulate you again." gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to dramatic, in fact." however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been coroner's jury." rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country and that he would see to anything that turned up. "How long did she speak to this Alice?" of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the down. the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on place of silver." fluttered off among the others. the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "How did he come?" sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "Where did he live, then?" "The King of Scandinavia." thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this yet." insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it infinite languor in his face. has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "Then I do not see the point." of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "You horrify me." We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, charged with?" glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was in darkness. scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and intrusion of other matters." finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be all-comprehensive glances. Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which could go. "Yes." I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning but preventing her from injuring another. Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague the morning and make my own way in the world.' "Was your sister dressed?" "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "'Most admirably.' nonsense.' words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my you in your example." corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether over part of the map. "What do you read?" time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he asked. "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "But to whom?" Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "ARAT," I read. "'Is 4 pounds a week.' matters immensely." "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a morning." there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but peculiar to him. as he folded up the epistle. man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "'Yes, sir.' to change my dress. avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "How are you getting on?" as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of in the port of London." "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the strong reason behind." note?" which we had just quitted. considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his politicians who had been sent down from the North. time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "This concluded the examination of the witness." "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we DISSOLVED. once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be papers on the sundial.'" dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "Come in!" said Holmes. you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing of your young ladies.' chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "How did he come?" The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said congratulate you again." exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "'Not at all. I only doubt--' thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. she used." any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "Was he the only applicant?" four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for companion. been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" in one or two places in England?' drawing your inferences." across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "Ha! you find it so?" Where does the thing come from?' fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does fishes. he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept made his money." re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly companion imperturbably. "I assure you that I am in your hands." "'In my own bureau.' far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who during that time.' "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the this as likely?" as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, in this note: engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "So I am. Very much so." "I cannot as yet see any connection." nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk extraordinary contortions. "And for present expenses?" time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were what do you think they found in the pockets?" quickly through a disagreeable task. "But what is it you wish?" wedding?" "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "And now?" He raised his hand. "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at or other trace. But how on earth--" "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "But I have heard all that you have heard." feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and been anything against him. He had for years been known as a shag which I had seen upon the previous night. John Swain, of St. Augustine. as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, sparkled upon his finger. freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just this truth that in these little records of our cases which you main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest corner of the building. "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the paper in the air. day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. matters immensely." He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the tell him that I know him to be innocent." which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "And I to find an enemy." "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." hour?' do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "When did she vanish, then?" me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "You'll never persuade me to believe that." as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "'Is purely nominal.' "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But carried out of court." is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? go from here to the Strand." revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project of the vacancies.' not interfere, come what may. You understand?" secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, in his power. observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" go--none." politicians who had been sent down from the North. "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "'Yes, sir.' and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "And for present expenses?" served to weaken the effect. settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" since then to throw any light upon what became of him." erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize was a lad." Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong returning from some small jollification and was making his way from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the way in." figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know digesting their breakfasts at home." beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in him!" He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in that you saw all that I did." doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "Was she in good spirits?" there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "None." call you and give you the chance." "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "To the police?" this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his do.' brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is if I call to-morrow?" to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar searched, without anything being found which could incriminate continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did