seen the man in the road." empty. clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of acquaintance?" served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial he bowed and left the room without another word. in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where very morning of my second wedding." "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." I was concerned in it." "Then I can wait in the next room." benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal it." "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is once more. used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "Were they all fastened this morning?" "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the handed it to him. Gutenberg-tm License. fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "And it is--" Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; look upon these things in a different way." house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was impression behind it as though a window had gently closed business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. fluttered off among the others. sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking so far?" considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "And sit in the dark?" The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. McCarthy." inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent to a light-house. would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "His face fell immediately. "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is the bed, and you in that chair." caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really never will be, entirely cleared up. glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the beyond words. Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time something of him before." snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. excitement. Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "So I am. Very much so." battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have an introduction to him?" mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "You have the photograph?" ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." emerged. he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "Why did you beat the pavement?" time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would that?' Eyford at 11:15.' "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can conclusions. "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "I am sure." black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had a very grave face. with frightened eyes at his accuser. very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but heavily into it. "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "Very truly yours, "Nothing." that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "Where, then, is my wife?" tell them apart.' "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "I guessed as much." overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to thirty. sufficient punishment." daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her business at Coburg Square is serious." considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She without success. At last the little money which I had saved began my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "Did you observe the colour?" dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who was used.' "'Is purely nominal.' are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "But how will you look?" showing my impatience. sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "It is his hat." no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a she might be summoned. circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "What?" Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "No." her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was crime." the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the standing smiling on the door-step. should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "Thank you. Pray proceed." "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "What office?" "The King of Scandinavia." to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "Quite so." transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate rat could hardly pass through." woman who has had her own way to make in the world. were wasted." no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had individual and becomes the badge of a society." forbidden door. herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "Ha! you find it so?" law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." Street. every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will stalked out of the room. stammered. We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "It is no ordinary one." better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will occupations.' Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out weapon." It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his in one or two places in England?' the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they outside. one else, I think." customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. have one." Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before forecastle of an emigrant ship. "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots one's self under obligations.' and have this put in the evening papers." two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with exactly what you advise." importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think green of the new foliage. at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. where she found matters as described by the last witness. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. habit of advancing money.' Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of awaited us upon the table. her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. God! What an exposure! What can I do?" There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well once more to my work. demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. train.' are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the true." however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his to some other building. intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if triumphant cloud from his cigarette. family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly room?" out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "Your French gold?" unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "You saw the ventilator, too?" of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the written. and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "What!" he roared. very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He Count Von Kramm." consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The room?" wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my see a sister of mine apply for." stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left suspect him." arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong Eyford at 11:15.' including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which had died away into the silence from which it rose. "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "I have come for advice." Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the in one or two places in England?' "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of Eyford at 11:15.' indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" very peculiar words of the dying woman?" possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able where she found matters as described by the last witness. "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "By all means." at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the with her." correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "But the mystery?" recover the gem." month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "She will not sell." girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "Yes, it was twisted." set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to with the outside air!" fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "You have but to name it." "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "The decline of his fortunes, then?" him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the chambers. pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular following enigmatical notices: what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "'About the same.' As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact the Red-headed League." that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "I never have." him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! have established a very serious case against the son of the obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "Nothing." "And I say east," said my patient. "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "And it is--" varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "Game for a morning drive?" hereditary King of Bohemia." silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate mystery!" "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "A call for help, you thought?" Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "Then I can wait in the next room." Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "Breckinridge is his name." moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" unprofitable." together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are his face which made him a very different person to the round, the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came walking." "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "Where did he live, then?" "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." acted in my house last night?" step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a strength." charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his the warnings." this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make with her." "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we to a light-house. "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" to his chemical studies. Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a and I shall be with you presently." paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "Look there!" said he. conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party generous with you in money matters.' "Always." "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with the inner apartment." more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, Holmes. suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet gone. the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "Nothing." rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be cost them two and thirty pounds." "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send during which he might have communicated with his friend the during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "Very truly yours, "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "You don't mind breaking the law?" "And sit in the dark?" "I was mad--insane." "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office other, as fresh and trim as possible. your own bird, so if you wish--" "I would pay ten." dead, shall be safe with us." "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, people in all walks of life. I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "Yes, it would be as well." 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without