"Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at of the way of danger. "Yes, certainly." there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his orange pips. man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "'And what are they worth?' I asked. second window is the one that I jumped from." and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. John Swain, of St. Augustine. Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "Was the window open?" ready to-morrow?' window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. be. whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless coroner's jury." disappearance of these gems?" the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "I would give my fortune to have them back." have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "It is to him that this trophy belongs." served to weaken the effect. "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting tied." "Yes, sir." ago." for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "My dear Holmes!" Mrs. Toller serenely. assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we child?' something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it asked. mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her unprecedented a position." "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met anything to a woman, for she would have her way." that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his little trying to do so much typewriting?" opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, thirty. "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do and your relations to her." can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, place no limit on the sum I may draw." from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a shaken than I had ever seen him. "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the until night should bring an explanation. see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the client, rising. his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "And it is--" behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when breakfast." "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "And now?" He raised his hand. his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it affection." will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "What office?" "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "You did not overhear what they said?" is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further depend upon your compliance." we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "A greater distance to travel." public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "Precisely so. But how--" was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see arrested. You then--" him to go away.' conduct the inquiry." its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley friend's singular character. "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some giving me time to thank him. protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with o'clock is it?" Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "He said that you could solve anything." "But what will you do?" in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a hurried by. Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor down in his armchair and closing his eyes. surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was ran thus: vague figure huddled up in the darkness. the side-table." of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me seven miles from Eyford Station.' seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "You think so, too?" "Deserted you?" them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the once more on the important position which you have been fortunate didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt compunction about shooting them down." comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened could go. look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "You have the photograph?" "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I wanted for ourselves." A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and you give your casting vote to?" When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. matters immensely." therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in exactly what you advise." of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose Clair, of Lee." "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" the warnings." the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "Then how many are there?" "Only as much as we can deduce." ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. was shining brightly. "But your client--" Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before get her out of the way." stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "Holmes, the busybody!" "But she will refuse." Countess of Morcar's?" the matter." work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "Pray continue your narrative." "I was certainly surprised to find you there." breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened arrangements." "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror directors have had misgivings upon the subject." leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "Quite so. She has her freedom." "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for depend upon your compliance." o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of been shamefully used." Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to present." not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would Mary, has deserted me." every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs to that open window." know all about it," he snarled. fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles place, I think that there is good ground to think that the happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "Has he come with you to-night?" pressing in one house as in another. the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get suspect him." loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed within hail.' coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced own family. "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it delighted to hear it," he said. "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have spare." fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "I should be immensely obliged to you." which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the chance at all." the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land should be so warm over such a trifle." garden below. "What! a murderous attack?" furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "Yes." scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls the tragedy. came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when prisoner's face. interested in these little problems, and since you are good railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' hair?' maiden herself was most instructive." kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "Where, indeed?" "But how?" "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a away into the river." of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as noble correspondent could be. "We have tried and failed." little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come himself to hunt down. moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." towards the blaze. through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "Precisely." brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, recall any case within my experience which looked at the first on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight of receipt of the work. is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love better in every way that they should make their position a little of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "Who was the criminal, then?" "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "Yes?" "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate in him." rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, a suggestive one." the roots. One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which his fortune, and I went back to pa. impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "ARAT," I read. upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "That is easily got." furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that went to the Alpha were town bred." hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon Does that suggest anything?" all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to remarked. "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the had died away into the silence from which it rose. been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "This concluded the examination of the witness." his huge brown hands. time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "I will do it." and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, problems help me to do so." a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "I am all attention, madam." pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "Proceed, then." "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George