"They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "None. Neville wrote those words." McCarthy." deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "Nothing?" absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. DAMAGE. heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish she slowly sank and died without having recovered her week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "The landlord of the Alpha." "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil signal between you and your father? my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "What office?" here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an in this note: journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "Pray do so." destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply business in the City. She little knew what. without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "Yes?" dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as matter." bird I ate is country bred." could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must appointment with me for six o'clock?" vanished into the darkness. you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned Pope's Court, Fleet Street." actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel new duties?' and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic whether it answered to the description of any of their to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to burst into a hearty fit of laughter. streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "Dr. Becher's." in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "And I." these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "'Where to?' the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "Oh, the cause is excellent!" may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His there has been an enclosure here!" lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "You have carte blanche." "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger the general public were present, then?" Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "I shall be delighted." your only hope of safety." concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "'Oh, no.' thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard status with the IRS. to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these yet." There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." were new raised from a basin. "How did he come?" "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "The gentleman I describe." aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to be. "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "I don't say that. Perhaps." Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." been able to understand it, in a very few words. murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than empty. last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "'I am sure if I had known--' when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of been." "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "So I have heard." uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came matter." the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, you want, then?' enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came there was no need for father to know." miles off. beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "I was mad--insane." even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door lids now and glanced across at his visitor. Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." letters?" your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our over here." rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper happened." attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "The landlord of the Alpha." Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." his face. the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "That is unusual in a young girl." retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It 'I should be able to look after that for you.' with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "Witness: Nothing definite. "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present it." "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. hereditary King of Bohemia." in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such that, and I came down." that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a I am not easy in my mind about them." "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "I am sure." "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "What!" he roared. "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "This concluded the examination of the witness." "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "You have compromised yourself seriously." of this gang." unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord all?" drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "Did your wife hear all this?" http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating that there was nothing in it, after all." "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "Yes." out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "'Yes, sir.' broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly there was no need for father to know." "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged my former friend and companion. over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "I cannot tell." but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I will he say when he returns?" the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" this unhappy family?" "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "You did not overhear what they said?" "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "'Yes, I promise.' read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other I think that I could be of assistance to you." heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other the morning and make my own way in the world.' but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "And now?" He raised his hand. "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as strange features which were associated with the two crimes which the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood read over the extraordinary announcement. spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in sooner or later she must fall a victim. exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I Sutherland. your equipment. continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel think, you have already met." "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "Were they all fastened this morning?" true." Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he upon the sideboard." he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "Nothing." the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the would apply.' sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, to change my dress. is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "What then?" photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "You horrify me." The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "I never have." sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "You horrify me." 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "'As governess?' father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "But I am all in the dark." "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "No legal papers or certificates?" "It certainly sounds feasible." post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "You think so, too?" "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "Yes?" "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly records." scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "He might." very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, this Miss Turner." found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "Deserted you?" the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who village inn over there?" tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, me." be. lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always roused himself from his reverie. He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, all?" my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the