the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing that there was nothing in it, after all." "In heaven's name, what for?" and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When always that they were such commands as a lady might with We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short at a side door. reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how purpose equally well?" Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "A thing like a cleaver," said he. follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my meanly of me." Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he ordinary clothes on?" take the flies, but not before." Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious for its centre. "'I am sure if I had known--' its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into or other trace. But how on earth--" "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and amused." meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. so.' Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "Yes." place no limit on the sum I may draw." my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot useful material for showing traces. The double line a little understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a me where it went to?" faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each such person." and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be his grey eyes. fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "I came to find a friend." tied." fat-encircled eyes. until night should bring an explanation. seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by thought that she would have been so carried away." purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "And how did you verify them?" o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "He might." grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted be. "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest the nursery. out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. open." gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in goes." an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those unkempt, staring out at me. "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "But not more so than I to find you." of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "I think that it is very probable." "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "No good news?" is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was happened." "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "It is his hat." sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that me upon any point which I do not make clear." than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' experiences." lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove chill to my heart. accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I strength." elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his Farm upon the left." tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, point in the dark hollow of his hand. Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? village inn over there?" case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up ways of our fellow-men." Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you opportunities to fix the problem. name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "And you can do nothing until then?" disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "You think that he is dead?" hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution digesting their breakfasts at home." "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for best detective that ever lived. "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "It was a confession," I ejaculated. Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any carpenter." all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "No. What a strange idea!" good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for unkempt, staring out at me. Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. "Well, it is a possible supposition." "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore where we are going." "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it it." "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "But I am all in the dark." money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems outbreak?" Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor floor. "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself all-comprehensive glances. dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "You will not go there first?" The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official Farm upon the left." call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" were unconscious?" with the outside air!" possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of garden below. "And you don't know his address?" waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to success. I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "Where did he live, then?" infinite languor in his face. heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. mysterious end." town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. read over the extraordinary announcement. still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "That sounds a little paradoxical." who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my closing the door. hard-headed British jury." opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "By no means." object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is companion. death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his experiences." very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. villagers almost as much as their master. It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through held up the lantern and gazed about him. hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was questionable one." "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "Not him." points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "Then how many are there?" was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and fat-encircled eyes. any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I she used." questioning and rather startled gaze. "A greater distance to travel." She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately been anything against him. He had for years been known as a her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me pound a week." "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "No." The note was undated, and without either signature or address. my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "Was he the only applicant?" 'please.'" had formerly been in part my own. a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I important." wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has know that the truth is known." when you have done it." exactly what you advise." absolutely follow my advice in every respect." action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. my special province." pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a suggested at once that there must be a communication between the of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy do.' so far?" Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned unprofitable." succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot very old mansion. centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." comes from the middle window." "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "Did you observe the colour?" beyond words. the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. details." "How about poison?" transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "On the contrary, this is the right side." walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "'Stolen!' he cried. when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "I cannot tell." "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of placed his cuttings. why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for my little problems." paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek young Openshaw's." as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock ran thus: least a fellow-countryman. "It is his hat." years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest newspaper selections." "It was an hour's good drive." the stones. in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "On Monday." to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "May I see it?" something of him before." wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "They are typewritten," I remarked. that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "You have compromised yourself seriously." saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "He is dead," cried several voices. streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "What is it?" this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "'Certainly not.' providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "Pray let us have it, for all that." only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal been." IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying jewels which you have stolen?' the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, anything to a woman, for she would have her way." read over the extraordinary announcement. Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "But you would not advise me to refuse?" to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come are, I think, all that we need." horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." very morning of my second wedding." "And why in hopes?" reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "We must have a cab." previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, you?' firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "How did he come?" been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand him." call it cruel." find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, know all about it," he snarled. gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "That is unusual in a young girl." to tell." "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole,