acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of questionable one." yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "ARAT," I read. the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land shoulder; "he's all right." to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "The decline of his fortunes, then?" thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my your billet.' collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "Of what day?" written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "It is his hat." reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from is entirely a question of barometric pressure." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "Frequently." partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem sneer upon his pale face. he. my room." know all about it," he snarled. One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "I do." being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "Not in a good cause." I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "'There is a drive, then?' green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "And your mother is alive?" to affect your life." Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." became a certainty. twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "How often?" "Stolen." His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham likely to be some crony of the landlady's." horse could go." is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "It was." Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the all?" "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us forecastle of an emigrant ship. found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of must compliment you." been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but which our visitor detailed to us. months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and taking in every detail of the apartment. breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De experiences." success. "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to note?" lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was envelope. the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "Yes." perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and himself. from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a one of them." intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "You'll never persuade me to believe that." likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all wedding?" page at http://pglaf.org lost nothing by them." someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was of campaign. "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly which it had come upon my father." expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were right! Sit down and let us talk it over." Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "9th. McCauley cleared. "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to his face which made him a very different person to the round, used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so place of silver." surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his is four-and-twenty." Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "Ha! you find it so?" fuss that is made over them." together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their and capable of preserving a secret.' elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. this as likely?" are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in showing my impatience. He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it cheerful." "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason very old mansion. insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." is acting for the best. "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "By no means." bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do amused." find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some Street. "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It strode off upon his way. bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions get her out of the way." PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "Very truly yours, vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be the very morning of the wedding." over his head with a sweet womanly caress. have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even for its centre. British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might became a certainty. "How long did she speak to this Alice?" Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his fish-monger and a tide-waiter." Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The people don't know." "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." digesting their breakfasts at home." possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might had formerly been in part my own. pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the the coronet at all injured?" "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "You heard nothing yourself last night?" homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you tail." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I knowledge of the world." astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "Nothing." thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "But the mystery?" had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "My own seal." fact, we may call it conclusive." high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission main points of my analysis." I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all article?" "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the do you make of it all?" "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you reach." maiden herself was most instructive." whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "How about poison?" with you alone." "Have you her photograph?" business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual and have this put in the evening papers." "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "This photograph!" respectable self." wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear right! Sit down and let us talk it over." know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; your only hope of safety." suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with six. Come in!" eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror never to learn it at all." interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck name is different." round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre think that he is innocent?" story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are and a shock of very red hair. fluttered off among the others. "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations weapon." Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an or in danger--" uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so criminal. We have already had experience of such." defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that hour." impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded coroner's jury." that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some page at http://pglaf.org of Fenchurch Street." the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "'Tell me all about it,' said I. IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see American. Then who could this American be, and why should he hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a himself in a perplexing position. real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "Certainly." such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which bird of prey. Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on clanging. who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. all?" consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. unkempt, staring out at me. As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "The murder was done with it." me. You must get home instantly and act." very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and so far?" paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," new duties?' "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' to-morrow." against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he I took the paper from him and read as follows: said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his away in different directions, and I went off to make my own recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very these bleak autumnal evenings." B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my My friend smiled. is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, to Leatherhead. the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "Nor running a chance of arrest?" serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "'Then let me do so?' misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, suggested at once that there must be a communication between the thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "And I." heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold