description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where ways of our fellow-men." "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and girl said." whatever might befall. result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring vague figure huddled up in the darkness. either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we corner of the building. for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing the coronet in his hands?" too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." heavily into it. It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth the dangers which encompass me." The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now now. It seems that there had been some informality about their Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" is worth.' state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were Have you good authority for what you say?" "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "It was a confession," I ejaculated. that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper mysterious end." contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was started for the Temple to see my husband. fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "You have it, sir, just as it happened." opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small presented more singular features than that which was associated "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you despaired of." swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and you." departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." them?" Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE meant it for the best. out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has writers could invent nothing more crude." avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "Not in a good cause." data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, out." Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity Pool. my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to Eyford." "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the too. "In heaven's name, what for?" o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and the room while you explain this matter?" King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "I would pay ten." house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, was keenly on my guard against him. fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough to-morrow." "9th. McCauley cleared. "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have forehead. Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before a room. I held the little printed slip to the light. "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with It may be so in this case, also." the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an I took the paper from him and read as follows: "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey system of imprisonment?" He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for orange pips. "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "That's no good." building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before this remarkable episode. hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "I assure you that I am in your hands." singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "'I shall certainly be there.' "Then what has happened to him?" "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "No, finished." sparkled upon his finger. typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "The landlord of the Alpha." When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out to that open window." "My private note-paper." to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. For additional contact information: time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "In San Francisco, a year ago." "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "How did he come?" "But his left-handedness." 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "Yes, he did." self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient outside. "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "Was there a secret marriage?" respectable self." companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. in the port of London." Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "That you are never beaten." "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "'In my own bureau.' of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so if I call to-morrow?" "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "I cannot tell." voice, changing her seat as requested. "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed McCarthy." judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "Then how many are there?" the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and villagers almost as much as their master. "But his left-handedness." should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "Very truly yours, entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." followed. "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and depend upon your compliance." supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her amused." travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "'I shall certainly be there.' information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that to that open window." lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter for the market.' eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey Mrs. Toller serenely. "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "Well, some hundreds of times." other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper question you as to those details which seem to me to be most can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a legal crime." away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to Street. your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "Proceed, then." possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly of the vacancies.' refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I maid will bring up your coffee." corner of the building. at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and whether it answered to the description of any of their "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. McCarthy's innocence. from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. against a man in the prime of life?" was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "You know me, then?" hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we read it out to me." "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "Yes." some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "Imitated." "A client, then?" "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "It is solved." "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "What is it, then--a fire?" adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant your Highness to the police-station?" which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was go back?" wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to tail." "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black weigh very heavily upon my conscience." A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." nothing of it?" he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. be.' thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "So I heard. You have him here?" a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "You know me, then?" "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the man. mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "'And what are they worth?' I asked. all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the hands. whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than to a more successful conclusion." rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are I leave." suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the writing, and yet I know it well." developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "What have you to say now?" believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused have accepted such a situation. then?" be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "An enemy?" "She showed me, as I told you she would." was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from she has been waylaid. There has been no result." seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "Is he quiet?" rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to McCarthy." behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I true." THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. during that time.' "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "The King of Scandinavia." to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "So I have heard." use an arc-and-compass breastpin." he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "My Mary? Impossible!" down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and with her." the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" of Fenchurch Street." License. You must require such a user to return or "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. I approached. subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. read it out to me." call for it in person on Monday morning.' which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the crime." papers must be those that are destroyed.' who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." was a perfect sample of the class. and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the nonsense.' cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "Whose house is it?" "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy confronted him. garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of felt the room to be a little close.' "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I to a light-house. must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a the bottom.' door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind take the flies, but not before." observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "'Never,' said I. "Nor running a chance of arrest?" strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger me, and I could not think that his explanation of the furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An