"You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me through." "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup charge against him will break down." "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "No, I had a dozen." I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go upon a handsome competence. "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. away to you." this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "How about poison?" is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "What then?" foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "From his hat?" Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "Her father is very rich?" creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" even so self-evident a thing as that." arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our promised to bring home. "He slept on the premises." however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "It is no ordinary one." husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his breakfast and whispered something to her husband. glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have again, where I was soon asleep. "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether His smile broadened. "Then, as to money?" informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not the iron safe, which he closed upon it. his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I legal crime." go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "You saw the ventilator, too?" see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred III. "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "That is possible." feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "Here?" Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into know that the truth is known." cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then dead, shall be safe with us." Pope's Court. year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "That is possible." transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "I see no marks." deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "None." were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place I nodded to show that I had heard. extraordinary contortions. engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "I know where it is." were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that friend's singular character. murdered man." envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "BALLARAT." say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper help us in this matter." which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. away into the river." out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense in his power. the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "The doctor?" "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong disappearance of these gems?" he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my matter." suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third astonishment. I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "And you don't know his address?" the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away colonel looking down at me. How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "Yes." on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned which was all perfectly true. But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. that you saw all that I did." and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of room had already been engaged for us. I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. Chief Executive and Director in darkness. he died? feature." little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "Then I do not see the point." abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it look dissatisfied." attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, Holmes' thin, eager face. "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "'I shall certainly be there.' about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "You know me, then?" I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about have got?" probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may bedroom door." down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen dates and names. list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "Of what?" to-night?' "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of the house with me." confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: examine." disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "An accident, I presume?" is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "He is still with you, I presume?" home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. depend upon your compliance." "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the conclusions. "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." true." "You'll never persuade me to believe that." Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded very old mansion. have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "And your father? Did you tell him?" which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow there." would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an if I call to-morrow?" a very grave face. "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we come either from the window or the door. My attention was computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight retorted upon me, and I on you." newspaper selections." light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will companion quietly. "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the walking." "Whose house is it?" "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain of his shoulders. with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the away in different directions, and I went off to make my own with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "Why, what do you mean?" was not a bird to be seen there. for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, be best to do. in darkness. India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all past. very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "Then I do not see the point." conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the depend upon your compliance." stood on the top of it. now. It seems that there had been some informality about their shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only him to be an active member of the medical profession." "Yes." computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter directors, with the result that you have seen." reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had highroad, where all traces were lost. he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient I held the little printed slip to the light. Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself disturbance in my wife." "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "I will get her to show me." and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "How on earth--" "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "'No, I know no one in these parts.' unprecedented a position." Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the room. and it need not interfere very much with one's other "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were burst out into a roar of laughter. could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is room. "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. down from London to inquire more deeply into it." distance from the station, and there we found the young lady where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and shall use the carriage to-night." the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite lost his Christmas dinner." hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable in your London, you will know that the office of the company is be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not case before our client came into the room." upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, Watson," he said cordially. hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "Where did you address your letters, then?" "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they little trying to do so much typewriting?" in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "Not in the least." years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "We must have a cab." them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "Precisely so. But how--" and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "You know me, then?" "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am figure." typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the furiously. as he folded up the epistle. among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because not as remarkable as your advertisement." understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house have an American origin." out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." see a sister of mine apply for." "I will do it." flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind the child." purpose of examination. specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a tell me that you intended to go into harness." very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. address. was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left tapping his fingers upon the table. "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of Literary Archive Foundation varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., nothing of it?" upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up wedding?" bachelor.'