three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "Yes?" at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "Now, then, what's the last entry?" some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds washing it down with a long draught of water. go back?" "And you thought he was pulled back?" right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "No good news?" forehead. shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "What is it, then--a fire?" "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I and the church but not where the lady lived." ways of our fellow-men." against a man in the prime of life?" fact, we may call it conclusive." in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "Have you her photograph?" have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be time." '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple my friend's incisive reasoning. Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of not, dad?" she asked. the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's be best to do. "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been cigar and let me expound." emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "I am following you closely," I answered. "No sign of it?" right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." with frightened eyes at his accuser. morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! License. You must require such a user to return or accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "No, I am descending." passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "That is possible." from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "Yes." my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his question. but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming bird of prey. paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "'Quite sure, dad.' she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at was feeling which was the fattest.' stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others miles off. purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his Literary Archive Foundation "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon walking." up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town in darkness. "Of what day?" the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, particular state visit http://pglaf.org without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the not come at once?" treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not country, and eventually married, without anyone having a telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning his face which made him a very different person to the round, doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards your only hope of safety." Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a behind me. lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "I shall be delighted." "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the know all about it," he snarled. PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King that there was nothing in it, after all." self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "This concluded the examination of the witness." The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "But you have hopes?" pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That the running down." family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a introspective fashion. to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "Ten will be early enough." strong and stiff." any more." think you a quite exceptional woman." village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. back alive. pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "'How far from the body?' continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." some city in a dream. Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" woman." forehead. to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering kind enough to tell me what I should do." know all about it," he snarled. little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "Yes, I have one waiting." to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a my former friend and companion. "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "And leave your case unfinished?" deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "How did you trace it, then?" Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable been." "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "My stepfather's business papers." "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of habit of advancing money.' "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "My dear Holmes!" concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "Yes, that is the Crown." he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very himself in a perplexing position. "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built strength of mind to control. one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "Your sister is dead, then?" should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed standing smiling on the door-step. be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" absolutely follow my advice in every respect." Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found tail." "No, distinctly professional." strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "Do you go out much in society?" "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "Certainly." As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal than to us. he died? reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, compunction about shooting them down." "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' there is a decided draught." comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "Very. But will he see it?" his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to acted in my house last night?" rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "And why in hopes?" "No, I am descending." and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your been." "By no means." Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" presume?" we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "But she could not love him." "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "Then, as to money?" should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "'What then?' I asked. wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would ashen face. dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were experiences." unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "We have tried and failed." "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," second window is the one that I jumped from." opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "'About the same.' are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "'It is locked up,' I answered. money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me them present such singular features as the strange train of the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. not fit the lock." envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the works. friend's singular character. now. It seems that there had been some informality about their I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a and have this put in the evening papers." had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "No. His orders were to stay in the house." heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, row." highly," said Holmes. right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, shoulder; "he's all right." I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "Why? What do you mean?" fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" of the efforts of the United States government and of the better intimate personal affairs in this public manner." into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and compunction about shooting them down." see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is good-night and bustled off upon her way. conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. his forehead." for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked have I gained?" When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between with the outside air!" "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by point in the dark hollow of his hand. the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped made his money." "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me gone. think that any burglar could have done. make me his representative both with the servants and with the performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed it means?" was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was 1.E.9. following enigmatical notices: were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the promised to bring home. black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss of the vacancies.' any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other wall." appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in to talk it over. my little problems." Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back corner of the building. his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "Frequently." by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "'Certainly not. But why?' "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the place, I think that there is good ground to think that the to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a clang of the bell. in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, stood on the top of it. "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." call for it in person on Monday morning.' "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to know what is wrong with it.' is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the meanly of me." lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is some place of shelter and let the county police know what has at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, that I am arrested." "In the cells." down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "'It is locked up,' I answered. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do