"Your Majesty has something which I should value even more out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "What then?" he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where to-morrow." rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress least a fellow-countryman. opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, are, I think, all that we need." Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." later, upon the night of May 2nd." was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either enough to aid us in our search." clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "That is also quite modern," said the lady. possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad himself. "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was better in every way that they should make their position a little "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must guilty parties." points to suicide?" call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each "And how in the world did you find them?" were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "Married! When?" the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped and your relations to her." make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the the inquest, and which are worth considering." in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "One of the highest in England." could not have written that. It is the German who is so - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies this unhappy family?" of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; to miss it." while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, important." Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "A call for help, you thought?" Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very with some details as to your case." have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "And from a noble client?" "'It is locked up,' I answered. "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "Yes." "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "You heard nothing yourself last night?" points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, detective. feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "I cannot say that I have." "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. you in your example." building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "It surprised me." the salesman. gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have the inquest, and which are worth considering." went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "Then I do not see the point." him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "Why? What do you mean?" "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon new duties?' "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our tell me that you intended to go into harness." deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "The landlord of the Alpha." Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, You want to know what became of those geese?" you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. upon the sideboard." "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the Leadenhall Street--and--" "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom any little problem which you may submit to me." jewels which you have stolen?' wedding?" had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "'I shall certainly be there.' "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "You horrify me!" bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "'I am sure that I do not know.' "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled was the fact that his father should, according to his account, arrested. You then--" already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "10th. John Swain cleared. come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "Can I be of assistance?" retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came Lestrade of Scotland Yard." disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, suspect him." Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, with you alone." "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing salesman. coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "And why in hopes?" "That was it, sir." attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be or in danger--" "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "What office?" "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "Did you observe the colour?" engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." eat it." possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature will be renamed. "What?" We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "And your mother is alive?" it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from of receipt of the work. should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of other means.' wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "The best possible." I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of if she died from some sudden fright." "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey looking up at the numbers of the houses." truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "The doctor?" "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the of the vacancies.' was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles I am not easy in my mind about them." he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had in his power. cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "Witness: I must still refuse. "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "Quite so. She has her freedom." sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "Yes, from Horsham." "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when nice household for a young lady." found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their You want to know what became of those geese?" my little problems." forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and has little to do with my story." "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." Munro.' the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "But of what society?" "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "Then how many are there?" him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the My friend smiled. "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the he died? request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other Mary, has deserted me." "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "Ample." persecution?" "And how did he make his money?" was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "Nothing." It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was certainly not very gracious." ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And locked." along the entire front of the house, with three long windows newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." shoulder; "he's all right." round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high will he say when he returns?" works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "Never." to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and memory. John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of London for the present?" later, upon the night of May 2nd." "It is possible." "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." tassel actually lying upon the pillow. direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "And it is--" and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark these bleak autumnal evenings." that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa arrangements." confronted him. "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by me." upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; touch that coronet?' along the entire front of the house, with three long windows There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "My dear Holmes!" logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "Always." thirty. relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing I have it here in my museum." these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite It may be so in this case, also." bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was new acquaintance to Baker Street. London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and bled considerably." "And Irene Adler?" I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. go from here to the Strand." maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear Clair, of Lee." landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I miles off. address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. later, upon the night of May 2nd." propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of heavily into it. loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "Then the page we have seen--" penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of south, for the country is more deserted there." Holmes. "My Mary? Impossible!" From what you have told me I think that it is possible that all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could despaired of." which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side national property. I was determined that the law should have its Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments system of imprisonment?" "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "And your father? Did you tell him?" from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to speckled band?" "Absolutely none." placed his cuttings. Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly was lame." was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day indiscretion." persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other child?' "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. in a friendly supper." where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. my room." woman." "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "It must be recovered." whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "Pray tell us what has happened to you." once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window of the one which your family is now devouring." "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." 'I should be able to look after that for you.' be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. be there in time for your coming." herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon anything to do with the matter?" grasp, he hurried from the room. it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He where Mr. Fordham shows you.' ill-usage at the hands of fortune. house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly said I. gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "Of Friday, June 19th." encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged head. So long, then!" "Yes." foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk McCarthy's innocence. "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you over with notes and figures. didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "Yes." from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon shall use the carriage to-night." Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "Where did you address your letters, then?" perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "'Where could I find him?' given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the to go into your room and bar your shutters?" voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he Eyford." "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "What have you to say now?" "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "None." which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. straightened it out again. "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "Nothing."