This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: begin with, and I had not got mine yet." civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "Yes." near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "It is true that I have been generally successful." discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand asked with his eyes open. tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "Ha! you find it so?" being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, himself in a perplexing position. "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the Where does the thing come from?' and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. families. Now for the facts. and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning your own bird, so if you wish--" and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "'In my own bureau.' little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the fluttered off among the others. "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. which our visitor detailed to us. Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. during which he might have communicated with his friend the and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I appeared upon the scene." may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "None." "And how did you find out?" stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an about here speaks of his kindness to him." turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "It is true that I have been generally successful." Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, tell me that you intended to go into harness." and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB certainly do as you advise." shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed for securing the situation." "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to about. wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "It was an hour's good drive." client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. said he at last. "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "Come in!" said Holmes. you want, then?' over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "'What then?' I asked. wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his 1.F. "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "Yes, it was twisted." quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your in darkness. smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. there." not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "And your father? Did you tell him?" of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the Miss Holder?" "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in interested in these little problems, and since you are good "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun something of him before." struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is hard-headed British jury." appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "I never have." back into the street. thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a main points of my analysis." "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, spare." silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "But not more so than I to find you." compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any hour?' concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at security.' and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "I came to find a friend." the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "You think that he is dead?" but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "How do you know, then?" over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we details." Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I use an arc-and-compass breastpin." the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I prove to be little relation between the different incidents of there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his served to weaken the effect. black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "'I have heard so.' metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "'I have already given you my word.' "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." bird of prey. "And is that all?" hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. bearing upon the case." was feeling which was the fattest.' "We were both in the photograph." address. so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a writing, and yet I know it well." and looked back. discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." opened the door, and slipped through. "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "I am sure." of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely delirious. "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His families. Now for the facts. "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for the address that was given us in the advertisement. This is what he says: he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the I think that I could be of assistance to you." that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "VIOLET HUNTER." "Yes, there are nearly always some there." we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "Frequently." in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "I was sure that I might rely on you." burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "Not in the least." Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle there was no need for father to know." "And now?" I asked. for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my me, and I could not think that his explanation of the you for a few hours?" appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his that?' "And how did you find out?" and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed hair?' 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who signal between you and your father? was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "One of his hands." matter." hardly wander." papers diligently of late, have you not?" dates and names. friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy placed his cuttings. little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "It surprised me." Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his indiscretion." for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. again before evening." was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. "Always." brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It sufficient punishment." and wait." steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "In San Francisco, a year ago." The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a his face which made him a very different person to the round, "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "Yes, from Horsham." Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, shall not find me ungrateful." and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "'I am sure that I do not know.' unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the bled considerably." have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away bonnet, and went out." routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. do.' of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I entirely lost his self-respect." come either from the window or the door. My attention was "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. again on its way. hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she astonishment. centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "And why?" previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "That is easily got." earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your relief. "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the than to us. Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my three of the beryls in it, was missing. possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project notes," he said. Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew to take care of herself." is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his in. its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of to that open window." of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a tension within him. platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now fashion which was peculiar to him. he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be seem to you to be relevant or not." "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to Miss Holder?" which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "Could he throw no light?" consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, hour?' will be renamed. produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "Yes, at the mines." Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, face and glided from the room. "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible way in." it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "How did you trace it, then?" "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it side. Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall Project Gutenberg-tm works. the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "Yes, certainly." concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, hereditary King of Bohemia." will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy opened the door, and slipped through. going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction indeed which he could not unravel. Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "Yes, it would be as well." "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which fasten all the windows?" usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "Then you may be so with me." grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present whatever might befall. It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It bedroom door." upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I wall." now. It seems that there had been some informality about their see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat in the dead of the night?' I think that I could be of assistance to you." They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary really the only notable feature about the thing." my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the yet." served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a questionable one." approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit You can understand that this register and diary may implicate electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" views." sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down showing my impatience. I think that I could be of assistance to you." be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "It was an hour's good drive." at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which your room." have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "Why? What do you mean?" "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name his huge brown hands. believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being during which he might have communicated with his friend the "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly