all that?" "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "My stepfather's business papers." civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. was it brought him the coronet? the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of noble correspondent could be. "But he might be a bachelor." Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from started for the Temple to see my husband. train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. the devil!" adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, daring than any effort of the imagination." shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a thin legs towards the fire. "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" so far?" place of silver." "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. congratulate you again." surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "I have solved it." sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this coroner's jury." "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." there when the Rucastles went away." journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "But how?" "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur present strange and interesting features that it is no easy betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." your sleep?' words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "If so, much may have happened between." something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "It is no ordinary one." The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure knowledge of the world." instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "Were they all fastened this morning?" his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A have been better. It is all right." suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and fat-encircled eyes. "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a me. the morning and make my own way in the world.' Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. than to us. said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like use an arc-and-compass breastpin." one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell meant it for the best. swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "Yes, sir." which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest head. So long, then!" "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "You are all wrong." considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to astonishment. the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your mysterious business." situation." the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, will be renamed. why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well this as likely?" eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the the King without delay." thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of arrested. You then--" for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my lips." very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon for and were ordered to this address. suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I true." very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the Eyford." to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "'Is 4 pounds a week.' awaited us upon the table. his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into becomes even more simple." stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it stepfather?" states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet to have that photograph." my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the waste of energy." hereditary King of Bohemia." possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered meant it for the best. minor matters until to-morrow." "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that off." "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. out of this horrible affair." "It is half-past ten now." "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "'Yes, sir.' be sorry for having acted so harshly." performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "To the police?" the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "Now, then, what's the last entry?" which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "I am following you closely," I answered. "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, companion quietly. not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "What will you say?" "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the several quiet little villages up there." called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "I see many objections to any such theory." which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last bonnet, and went out." through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "What steps will you take?" I asked. knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving is worth.' burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "Is he quiet?" threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not arms and began to sob in a high treble key. who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." I shall continue with my miserable story. been with you?" weigh very heavily upon my conscience." Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions companion. connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural grasp, he hurried from the room. reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them where Mr. Fordham shows you.' A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "That is it on the dressing-table." the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. distinguish the words: "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself I approached. "Precisely." was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "And on what day did he meet his death?" presume?" have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather had this final quarrel? "Yes, certainly." upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "Well." "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, man. I know him from the photograph." "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "I will get her to show me." his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "It goes to the housekeeper's room." offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I depend upon your compliance." of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion both be extremely obliged.' upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "Why did you pick him?" "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "You did not overhear what they said?" nothing of it?" own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project Count Von Kramm." "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "I have a cab outside." attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "I cannot tell." imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, me. in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "Yes." "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "What?" Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no approach us with offers to donate. inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "It missed him, then?" "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "No, but the enclosure is." he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had ventilator." in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will eat it." story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers me. set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," read it out to me." which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at there is a decided draught." I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as outside. saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. your only hope of safety." they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very help us in this matter." makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal of the one which your family is now devouring." the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "Why serious?" as yours." what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's constraint." "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "Married! When?" "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to dead, shall be safe with us." door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in to me. Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "Did you observe the colour?" one of the states of the Union." "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom into the bag, and made for the door. to some other building. present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." think you a quite exceptional woman." "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the six. Come in!" "She will not sell." 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a interest. They are important, you understand, without being shoulder; "he's all right." we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "Yes, all." "This photograph!" "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "No." circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. Holmes. force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "What! You do not mean bodies?" however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what copied or distributed: posted to-day." old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily dear old homesteads?" she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood room?" he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. woman." like gravel from a pit.' of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate tail." "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There upon the white wrist. story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they voice, changing her seat as requested. "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, maiden herself was most instructive." and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "Ha! you find it so?" "What have you to say now?" "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in so far?" secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the people don't know." heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "Then the page we have seen--" sake, don't!" I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "Yes, only one." you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been to me. "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods the address that was given us in the advertisement. same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, here and I will read it to you: erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "And the murderer?" The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in side. relief. He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as