had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing nothing of it?" our word." Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt might help us?" Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the indeed happy." case-book, which he consulted. when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent ashen face. police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late cost them two and thirty pounds." absorbing." which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so retorted upon me, and I on you." approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he strode off upon his way. The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "I saw her in conversation with her maid." threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "That's no good." quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his meanly of me." said he. speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no drove away. Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent situation." "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "I think that I had better go, Holmes." friend's singular character. money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so my special province." been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two to me. and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "And now?" He raised his hand. during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "In San Francisco, a year ago." "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "'Certainly not.' much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." as noiselessly as she had come. departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "How did that help you?" walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." Eyford." to Leatherhead. "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which fuss that is made over them." waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "You are hungry," I remarked. had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, jewels which you have stolen?' "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "My dear Holmes!" "'About the same.' Pope's Court, Fleet Street." incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "Yes." dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. rat could hardly pass through." "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa true." "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the affair. travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," papers diligently of late, have you not?" about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." sooner or later she must fall a victim. would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger your co-operation." course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon the ceiling. round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at This is what he says: a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which What do you deduce from it?" saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "And that is--" before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he important." knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. http://www.gutenberg.net "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "Nothing?" greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "It must be recovered." "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been call the police, let the police find what they can.' "And your father? Did you tell him?" matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was troubles have been weighing upon his mind. He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "Certainly." "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small digesting their breakfasts at home." And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or me." "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt questionable one." think, you have already met." "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock Count Von Kramm." who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "The gentleman I describe." pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "I should be immensely obliged to you." mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "Yes, it was twisted." "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the bird I ate is country bred." "It is true that I have been generally successful." your co-operation." her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who washing it down with a long draught of water. and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "How do you know, then?" one else, I think." coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "Do you know him?" Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "It is very kind of you." with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. done what I asked you, Jones?" what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains carriage. It was a chestnut." there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "'I have heard so.' "At the wedding breakfast." "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." humiliation." others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "Oh, yes, easily." Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' was used.' "Oh, yes, easily." better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has head. So long, then!" eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "That is unusual in a young girl." collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of prepare for the new role I have to play." solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible IS and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "Then I do not see the point." "Never to return." reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches father's young wife. "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to Street. where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "And how did you verify them?" "The rest you will leave in our hands." man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into never came back." which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it death." with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall that the gas is not laid on in his house?" time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "It came here." Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "'Ten to two.' bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, about. "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their annoyance, but no jest. frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP done what I asked you, Jones?" probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I be. There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the there has been an enclosure here!" at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "It looks newer than the other things?" of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could the very morning of the wedding." Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in copied or distributed: records." our word." time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to purpose of examination. first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and it means?" which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "I see no marks." "You think that he is dead?" "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "The best possible." "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "I don't say that. Perhaps." at my remark. "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all discontent upon his features. their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a future lives." may have an influence upon European history." the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The in the hope of finding them." "One of his hands." "Of what?" in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "The knees of his trousers." and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." woman who has had her own way to make in the world. down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the amused." one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his time." "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon sooner or later she must fall a victim. "Nothing." "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." residence of the great financier. wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "And the cigar-holder?" column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "How often?" ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the relief. "I shall be delighted." listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "I will try. What is it?" He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The of the one which your family is now devouring." His name is Francis Prosper." "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very said I. office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in there were one or two details which were new to me. But the Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "By train from Waterloo." "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. noise which awoke you from your sleep?" over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "In heaven's name, what for?" his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "The landlord of the Alpha." Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought train.' "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "And help." companion. object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "Was he the only applicant?" mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "You think that he is dead?" far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned quite distinctive." "It came here." but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or fear." that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "My private note-paper." for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of weary and pale-looking. my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been into the room. of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between all-comprehensive glances. neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" where she found matters as described by the last witness. short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, union?" "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "Never." I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour light and attacked it." of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the the one as in the other." named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again completely overtopped every other consideration that we both down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country seen the man in the road." so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the legal crime." be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and