drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "It is possible." narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "But how?" traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She discontent upon his features. "And how have you succeeded?" the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges were wasted." "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at of the vacancies.' drawing your inferences." comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman conclusions. interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "By no means." in his hands." be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. look upon these things in a different way." are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the least a most suspicious remark." been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the with frightened eyes at his accuser. common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and so.' "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that really the only notable feature about the thing." desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these best detective that ever lived. "Yes. He waved his hands." treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he in the port of London." six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" Arthur Conan Doyle "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, new duties?' 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I My friend smiled. Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "Pray tell us what has happened to you." Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to unclasping of his long thin hands. DISSOLVED. for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "Never to return." to a more successful conclusion." "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret which are rolled in Rotterdam." passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "He said too much." travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the present." should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "'Never,' said I. developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the new duties?' I nodded again. any more." more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small you?' "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an the Red-headed League." her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for business?" it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to do." near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that affection." however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the do.' "Imitated." "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I problems help me to do so." Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg silent! Oh, he will be silent!' to-morrow." "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's next day. "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and front of the hall door has given its name to the place. these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink wedding?" "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the was once confined in the cab my mission was practically from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." such person." eavesdroppers?' is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "And when will you call?" hour?' incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. must be when I saw the door open.' fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "'Tell me all about it,' said I. I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "Precisely so. But how--" think, you have already met." the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "I am sure." state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "I am still in the dark." happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the advice." beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. Young McCarthy must be got off, however." opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of cost them two and thirty pounds." "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "'Yes, I promise.' which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a the inquest, and which are worth considering." St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of strode off upon his way. "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." there." "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must security.' clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "I think it very unlikely." newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly be best to do. opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. frequently gained my first real insight into the character of by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they official police." charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the into the room. near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "Perhaps I have." several quiet little villages up there." The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: Street. Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no where Mr. Fordham shows you.' course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her cup of tea. "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "You have the photograph?" controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." and files of the old papers, following the future career of every outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "It goes to the housekeeper's room." of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might occurred." mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a to-night." the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a a suggestive one." Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "I am following you closely," I answered. own family. attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from tell me that you intended to go into harness." am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "But what will you do?" fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would shaken than I had ever seen him. gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter returned to France?" "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." amused." man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. weapon." occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at once more on the important position which you have been fortunate reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the breakfast and whispered something to her husband. nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the call you and give you the chance." strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "Here?" "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." I approached. so.' Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might The police have openly confessed that they can at present make It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he get her out of the way." "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "Yes." "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "No, I am descending." End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, may never be exposed to such a temptation." "And what then?" broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all father's place of business?" "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "And why?" sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be him, that man would not have given me such complete information "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this the bed, and you in that chair." Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are and your relations to her." say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his lamp in his hand. case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as that, and I came down." Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "I do." greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a his forehead." "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A anything to a woman, for she would have her way." him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "'Certainly,' I answered. bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing your own bird, so if you wish--" though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, against a man in the prime of life?" idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power come either from the window or the door. My attention was "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "Yes." entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "Ah!" on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice written. of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "I see no marks." in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice mystery." "'How far from the body?' maid will bring up your coffee." to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "The murder was done with it." garden below. business?" every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "No. What a strange idea!" covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed signal between you and your father? were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and them, and came down just as you departed. "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." Pope's Court. "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an