lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "But who is he?" trifles." over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "Yes." darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my chance." compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I light and attacked it." given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social that I am arrested." possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "On the contrary, this is the right side." with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "Well, but China?" horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "What have you done?" asked Holmes. last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. charged with?" resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "Was your sister dressed?" implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. the best of training." having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "'A dozen yards or so.' walking." clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and off." you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital is," said he presently: What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the You want to know what became of those geese?" laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? orange pips. such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my orange pips. as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "What have you to say now?" "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. His smile broadened. fatally injured? man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may official police." really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." your sleep?' wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the you, my dear young lady?' key of the affair now." cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "And what then?" "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "'Most admirably.' his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case views." "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide over with notes and figures. "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "Then I do not see the point." would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard redistribution. hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should Holmes' room. sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. prison!" "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good very morning of my second wedding." his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "Eh? What was that?" "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is bird of prey. shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. closing the door. mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "I know where it is." without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "'Tell me all about it,' said I. goes." post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns 1.E.9. over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "Yes, sir." "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is most important business. It is probable that he will be away all uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "Which surely he restored to their owner?" yet." your most interesting statement." was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "That is possible." "I have solved it." "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall as the one I chose?' my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, shall not find me ungrateful." furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say frequently gained my first real insight into the character of successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "I don't say that. Perhaps." charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the several quiet little villages up there." usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their approach us with offers to donate. through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "It is to him that this trophy belongs." was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "He said too much." carried out of court." in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors said he, "my real name is James Ryder." perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. fasten all the windows?" the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "'What do you call purely nominal?' eat it." attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my were unconscious?" matters immensely." Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to felt?" never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "No." having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her hurried away. analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a the Assizes." "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. arrangements." to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would felt the room to be a little close.' "You forget that I know nothing about it." "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found visitors." red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" writer." hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save article?" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "I have seen the police." without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my coat-tails." saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "May I see it?" any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you the running down." half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, before, for it was considerably after midnight. But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in the armchair which I pushed forward for him. stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "By no means." Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that bonnet, and went out." great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action had formerly been in part my own. Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, these bleak autumnal evenings." "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen did not hear it also.' "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in his face which made him a very different person to the round, "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "'A dozen yards or so.' and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. fear." "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "You forget that I know nothing about it." you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, come either from the window or the door. My attention was they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An suspect him." matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I four million human beings all jostling each other within the your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a in the dead of the night?' Leadenhall Street--and--" "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock Arthur Conan Doyle very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed London for the present?" places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "Not him." George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing door?" time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As arrested. You then--" much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." again before evening." my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may 'please.'" "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "Ample." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah astonishment. but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all lumber-room." her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, some place of shelter and let the county police know what has I shall continue with my miserable story. follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." looking up at the numbers of the houses." I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip business came to an end." simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "On your arm?" prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until suggested at once that there must be a communication between the been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly there in twenty minutes." "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. arrangements." them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "How are you getting on?" copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "Whose house is it?" "I shall most certainly do so." she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. arrested. You then--" useful material for showing traces. The double line a little time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar should be taken.' with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows jewels which you have stolen?' his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not bearing upon the case." "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact see a sister of mine apply for." Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "'Ample.' presented more singular features than that which was associated down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did go--none." "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I business matters.' feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this