"You horrify me." "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of following enigmatical notices: case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are orange pips. so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had fact, we may call it conclusive." fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "And I say east," said my patient. hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well case-book, which he consulted. reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to situation." as yours." a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what enter Dr. Roylott's room." and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I bell. Holmes whistled. system of imprisonment?" Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "And when will you call?" grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was Stoke Moran." bears upon the case?" dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Did he not advertise?" in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "'I have already given you my word.' a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" papers on the sundial.'" "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "Which are?" as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes derbies." jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must side. "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "It was." her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "Well, some hundreds of times." upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though second." should be so warm over such a trifle." WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the past. the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could distance from the station, and there we found the young lady time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made here." "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his details." him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses had a long day." swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the without a word or a look. permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which think that any burglar could have done. human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "Very. But will he see it?" would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that something of him before." conversation I have gathered that they have been married about company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "And now?" I asked. "I promise," said Holmes. you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he if she died from some sudden fright." her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty my special province." arrangements." the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too perplexity from it to my illustrious client. about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten villagers almost as much as their master. Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, strong reason behind." upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "But we can't all be." agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the writer." He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "'Ten to two.' "Yes." have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "'Then let me do so?' every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to question you as to those details which seem to me to be most death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' I am not easy in my mind about them." "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic three of the beryls in it, was missing. He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she You can understand that this register and diary may implicate believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which away into the river." chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and money should be paid at once.' 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, exactly what you advise." one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "That is also quite modern," said the lady. The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small murdered man." from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "My photograph." as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who manager. "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to late!' "I see no marks." extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "But what is it you wish?" the King without delay." "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "Absolutely?" without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. prepare for the new role I have to play." insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "And is that all?" "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. bonnet, and went out." squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in bed dies. Does not that strike you?" without a word or a look. son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "Then you may be so with me." "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed the stable lane now." article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the them?" mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you charged with?" sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab for its centre. the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his that, and I came down." VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "Where, then?" may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I for the market.' delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his maid will bring up your coffee." have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "'Tell me all about it,' said I. thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." was a perfect sample of the class. "No." round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to me have 200 pounds?' massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of Watson," he said cordially. "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if bare slabs of marble. good-night and bustled off upon her way. so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to that you saw all that I did." also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the an introduction to him?" to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" arms and began to sob in a high treble key. hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "It looks newer than the other things?" after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an as yours." "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the you for a few hours?" He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg locked." There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong the salesman. passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not this man was intellectual?" that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. populous neighbourhood." contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of Miss Holder?" "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You there." paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of shag which I had seen upon the previous night. three fields round his house, and there he would take his from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce electronic works position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but to you." the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but It may be so in this case, also." and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, the Red-headed League." what I may call a really hard day's work." "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." breakfast." before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "What have you done?" asked Holmes. seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. prepare for the new role I have to play." I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "Yes. He waved his hands." "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "I have a cab outside." bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through acquaintance?" "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at be best to do. wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. in. 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features corner of the building. machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I closing the door. being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "Yes, all." us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "Was your sister dressed?" her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. October 9, 1890. "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; I approached. to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another morning." and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my house for five minutes.' he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "Then how many are there?" gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "You were travelling in the States?" computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She families. Now for the facts. I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace direction." certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." character. great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "Very. But will he see it?" guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "What of the rat, then?" of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" interested in these little problems, and since you are good "So I heard. You have him here?" It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. tassel actually lying upon the pillow. bore every mark of being an average commonplace British did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me one's self under obligations.' "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face status with the IRS. he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of evidence," I remarked. "Ha! you find it so?" incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a gentleman's clothes. revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, without a word or a look. across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "Not in a good cause." of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly