gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled dates and names. was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "Well, some hundreds of times." handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made fatally injured? from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "Then you may be so with me." "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord and your relations to her." drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "Certainly." side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "In what way?" asked Holmes. furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his Young McCarthy must be got off, however." without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered little adventures." very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my green of the new foliage. to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. that there was nothing in it, after all." "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "I have my revolver," said I. "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "Nothing?" fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "'Certainly not. But why?' the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "Entirely." written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "One of the highest in England." "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a evidence," I remarked. "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. the address that was given us in the advertisement. matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum gentleman's clothes. "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in October 9, 1890. "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three intrusion of other matters." am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and assist you in forming an opinion." ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so advice." to me. "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the one of them." you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at national property. I was determined that the law should have its as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked nonsense.' in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "But he might be a bachelor." cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock tapping his fingers upon the table. petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has the south-west, I see." and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I experiences." habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for companion. still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining Surrey." quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "On the contrary, this is the right side." a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever yourselves in at night?" the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "No." to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "It is possible." lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "Yes." we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. of Mr. Rucastle's." husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. it means?" "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "I cannot as yet see any connection." read over the extraordinary announcement. very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. read over the extraordinary announcement. some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "'Entirely.' voice, changing her seat as requested. road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a you in yours." "Frequently." The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "'Tell me all about it,' said I. into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he Sutherland. and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan as noiselessly as she had come. He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any I. him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "And your father? Did you tell him?" smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in McCarthy." afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is my former friend and companion. have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my felt the room to be a little close.' possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, than to us. nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "Do you receive much company?" he asked. twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm tear off another piece?' reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "Perhaps we may make them less so." "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 Dr. Gregory B. Newby "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly have an American origin." liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an The events in question occurred in the early days of my which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "You horrify me." dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his John Swain, of St. Augustine. and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the awkward doing business with an alias." "Then you may entirely rely on me." "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of wedding?" "'What would be the hours?' I asked. once more. refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "Very well, sir. And this stone?" Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "The knees of his trousers." "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew was a perfect sample of the class. towards the blaze. "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain said I. "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "'Ten to two.' not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the your co-operation." "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am characteristics, but those are the more obvious." of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "Very truly yours, "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a and it need not interfere very much with one's other Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the London for the present?" in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "Oh, fresh and glossy." hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "Well, it is a possible supposition." "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and indeed which he could not unravel. heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he You want to know what became of those geese?" His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "My dear Holmes!" Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else written. you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in was it brought him the coronet? he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. figure." spark where all is dark to me." "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "I cannot as yet see any connection." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything heavily into it. Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to showing my impatience. "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father was the fact that his father should, according to his account, always that they were such commands as a lady might with for and were ordered to this address. "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "Very much so." the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your showing my impatience. have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must the date of his supposed suicide." "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and said I. three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting direction." "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "Then I am your man." "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it call it cruel." coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the which was all perfectly true. about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your Literary Archive Foundation "No, I think that I'll take it." circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. when your master had gone out." "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "Now, then, what's the last entry?" sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not you want, then?' abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "You don't mind breaking the law?" side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "You are all wrong." nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." is a common subject for conversation. "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a memory. had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." detained." knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the spark where all is dark to me." held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is morning." it." "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls enough to aid us in our search." "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his enter Dr. Roylott's room." "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his feature." all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a the loss of it. to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT you." "And that is--" the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. You want to know what became of those geese?" murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, overpowering excitement and concern. feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "Pray do so." "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my back to my heart. "Ten will be early enough." me upon any point which I do not make clear." "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "You saw the ventilator, too?" wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "If so, much may have happened between." gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "No, finished." rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that IS "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, clang of the bell. the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "'Most admirably.' My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." shoulder. ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, this poor creature." eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the the morning and make my own way in the world.' Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that legal crime." "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "You have the photograph?" I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. horse could go." open." "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. possible that we could bring him back to her? who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five could gather together that I was able to avert another public "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 hand, madam?" go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand because she had spent so short a time in this country that she very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "'What, the red-headed man?' before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers