unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was I nodded again. mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a enter into my head. had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my this truth that in these little records of our cases which you that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an telegram would bring me down to your help." of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a should be taken.' Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, the running down." "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted did not hear it also.' "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "We have tried and failed." was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "Nor running a chance of arrest?" to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "That also I could fathom." when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." Young McCarthy must be got off, however." cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "What will you say?" heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, chemical work which was so dear to him. would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not sooner or later she must fall a victim. centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper father's young wife. father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "My opinion is in no way altered." it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "The doctor?" "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you long narrative. being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "The decline of his fortunes, then?" Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is come either from the window or the door. My attention was were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I and have this put in the evening papers." gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time kind enough to tell me what I should do." Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time carried out of court." "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly call for it in person on Monday morning.' "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could him, that man would not have given me such complete information be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "9th. McCauley cleared. see me here to avoid scandal." said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "I say it is." all?" in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "In what way?" asked Holmes. who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us figure." when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance friends, not even his own brother. an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to your only hope of safety." future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she simple cases which are so extremely difficult." sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "He said too much." its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes had no one to advise her at such a crisis." individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the official police." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich of the way of danger. "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the fishes. of his shoulders. through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "No bad?" his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we Street. Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered whether it answered to the description of any of their door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "You heard nothing yourself last night?" that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by kind enough to tell me what I should do." housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily Farm upon the left." a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "I think that it is very probable." the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "One of the highest in England." a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and here." "My stepfather's business papers." still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are to-night's adventure." endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "What will you say?" purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was south, for the country is more deserted there." "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "But we can't all be." must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an a little more before I quite committed myself. "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" of a light. been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "Quite so." delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading business." could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "That sounds a little paradoxical." the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, him." thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest The King stared at him in amazement. the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you help us in this matter." where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "Of what?" shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your tell them apart.' name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "That sounds a little paradoxical." one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they hand, madam?" certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more retorted upon me, and I on you." the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a enough to aid us in our search." man. took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it some place of shelter and let the county police know what has wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and have got?" "What can you not understand?" "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "Of what?" way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one following enigmatical notices: "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, pictures, libraries, or plate. trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "My opinion is in no way altered." "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "And why?" Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." matters immensely." side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where me have 200 pounds?' which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and have been better. It is all right." "Yes." few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You fish-monger and a tide-waiter." 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "The knees of his trousers." eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the within hail.' from the brougham. that the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed will not take me long to tell. figure." Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest mystery may be cleared along those lines." ready to-morrow?' Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and Watson," he said cordially. borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are arrested. You then--" until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than and prosperity to your house. Good-night." At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a you in your example." in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had better in every way that they should make their position a little acquaintance?" "Ha! you find it so?" coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." companion imperturbably. came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of Leadenhall Street--and--" "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "Will you go?" The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "My dear Holmes!" Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "No good news?" "Your French gold?" and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "No, I am descending." IS thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are this Miss Turner." far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who through." main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would formed some opinion?" enter Dr. Roylott's room." rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the which I could not give. He asked for Alice. surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "But your client--" particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB and effective." which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have persecution?" of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I wedding?" whereabouts. brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "Who was the criminal, then?" been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, situation." questionable one." he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most electronic works "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." promised to bring home. instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "Why serious?" "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would strong and stiff." which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." distinguish the words: the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to This is what he says: "I will get her to show me." so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "Perhaps we may make them less so." mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same enter Dr. Roylott's room." idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the invisible to me," I remarked. been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "The murder was done with it." metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and this man was intellectual?" strong reason behind." her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "A thing like a cleaver," said he. inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "No more words. Get out!" sparkled upon his finger. Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he this unhappy family?" "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social You want to know what became of those geese?" call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' at home. once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' their singular warning or token before them when starting upon lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has you." rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so together. hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his