less than 26s. 4d. the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free for its centre. upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest towards the blaze. "And you don't know his address?" bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his make me his representative both with the servants and with the "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This have I gained?" stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I conceal it?" in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it really the only notable feature about the thing." "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have as this. Pray let me have the details." wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are dramatic, in fact." his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "By no means." between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was and the colonel ushered me in. When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "The landlord of the Alpha." enter Dr. Roylott's room." already referred to. began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland beg that you will break it off." bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear it? Did I buy the geese off you?" in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long garden below. what do you think they found in the pockets?" again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up is," said he presently: with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and emerged. bore every mark of being an average commonplace British remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found Gutenberg-tm License. judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "Yes, sir." against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "Could he throw no light?" o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "Here?" for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. be sorry for having acted so harshly." "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "Yes, all." IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "Your French gold?" necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered be. "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." about here speaks of his kindness to him." "Yes, he did." "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. as he folded up the epistle. of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had without a word or a look. nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, retorted upon me, and I on you." triumphant cloud from his cigarette. refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "How do you know, then?" "I say it is." front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without their singular warning or token before them when starting upon you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be already referred to. has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of will take you up to see the machine.' "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "'Certainly,' I answered. laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking characteristics, but those are the more obvious." The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this fishes. "He slept on the premises." back alive. Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent bare slabs of marble. it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "That is it on the dressing-table." tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while to a more successful conclusion." Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with out." Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," chance at all." photograph?" to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian his grey eyes. over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. late." Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "What!" he roared. exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "I think that it is very probable." a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and to-night's adventure." "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No whatever might befall. they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or may have an influence upon European history." age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time highly," said Holmes. child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull straightened it out again. back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "Yes, that is the Crown." wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, had formerly been in part my own. somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "Was the window open?" had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "So I heard. You have him here?" remarked. when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent nothing of it?" "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "'What then?' I asked. here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he business." "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "And I say east," said my patient. our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "What do you make of that, Watson?" there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "That is unusual in a young girl." "Not I." police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. case-book, which he consulted. we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to you found me to-night--and running through the front room she be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel now. It seems that there had been some informality about their focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though do." least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "'How far from the body?' that, and I came down." "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "Yes, from Horsham." Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "Precisely." For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What definite end. this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with whole matter to your consideration." because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "You think that he is dead?" "He is still with you, I presume?" importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that about here speaks of his kindness to him." miles off. way: parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. be. fire. You quite follow me?" pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." better grown goose." then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. where we are going." voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, fashion which was peculiar to him. "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round way in." tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the might have a private word with us. "I will, Miss Turner." eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." to his chemical studies. ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys cause to be." "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" letters?" Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. this man was intellectual?" the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "Pray do so." "That is easily got." I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm tell them apart.' kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed could gather together that I was able to avert another public With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you perplexity from it to my illustrious client. trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind habit of advancing money.' respectable self." "There are none." houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. tied." across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from points to suicide?" "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally more solid." hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." highly," said Holmes. three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "But what will you do?" face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. fire. You quite follow me?" may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." which I could not give. He asked for Alice. me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were security.' that you wished to speak to me?' Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you Holmes." danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan Pool. heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of been deceived." of fine shops and stately business premises that they really terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have of campaign. exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just is worth.' "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "It is a murder, then?" hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "There are none." "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of to me. "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously compunction about shooting them down." key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, you." including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "No, I had a dozen." confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "I am about to be married." in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge