so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a that he will be back before evening." his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" some water from a caraffe. matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, again before evening." slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "We must sit without light. He would see it through the Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "And I." that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "'Which dealer's?' must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "We must have a cab." through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a with some details as to your case." may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "None." thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without you in your example." I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which a few minutes he said that it would be all right. implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the notes," he said. The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "Her father is very rich?" King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his outsides of the windows. varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I possible that we could bring him back to her? air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under sound at heart." conceal it?" found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, details should find their way into the papers. Inspector have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but go back?" the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. pound a week." "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the Surrey." He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. address. Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather said he. us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a reach." very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now murdered man." and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "And it is--" "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been relief. son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "A client, then?" her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly this Miss Turner." What do you deduce from it?" I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say redistribution. large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was you give your casting vote to?" meanly of me." should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in kindly on the shoulder. "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. noting anything else of interest. rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is strode off upon his way. "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a that I may have something better before very many minutes are he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously disappearance of these gems?" I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "Is he quiet?" "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "'Ten to two.' would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his from the brougham. straightened it out again. "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or fattened it expressly for you.' reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up with frightened eyes at his accuser. skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, chill to my heart. sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, American. Then who could this American be, and why should he and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." despaired of." him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That in a friendly supper." "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "ARAT," I read. What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "And the cigar-holder?" the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the arms and began to sob in a high treble key. to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have dear old homesteads?" "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or and the colonel ushered me in. "And what did you learn from him?" make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "'Yes, I promise.' so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the the general public were present, then?" quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in acted in my house last night?" from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case voice, changing her seat as requested. gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "Absolutely none." sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman and your relations to her." "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, You can understand that this register and diary may implicate his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon this as likely?" "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. of." the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt the Red-headed League." drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "The Coroner: What do you mean? face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" danger is over." left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "Why did you pick him?" "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "And for present expenses?" he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "No." "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to Holmes' room. of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep now. It seems that there had been some informality about their the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in tail." of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, for its centre. memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently "Did you observe the colour?" have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "Nothing?" bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating these bleak autumnal evenings." attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was for securing the situation." "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "Then the page we have seen--" cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into You want to know what became of those geese?" screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "Did your wife hear all this?" fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "But who is he?" Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here him nearly every evening." of the way of danger. "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "And now?" I asked. I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources go from here to the Strand." began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "'Very good.' backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "No." was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the coroner's jury." fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "Could he throw no light?" was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears call you and give you the chance." wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I one of the states of the Union." presume?" other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no the night.' elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "Yes." "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "But she will refuse." a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "You have but to name it." and capable of preserving a secret.' "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "You know me, then?" "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "That is easily got." "'Why that?' I asks. "Why? What do you mean?" note?" "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him sufficient punishment." "Which are?" "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. "In which, sir?" every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his completely overtopped every other consideration that we both were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "Ample." instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "And on what day did he meet his death?" "Why serious?" Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "What, then, did Peterson do?" that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an bare slabs of marble. strong reason behind." you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of opened a pocket-book and took out a note. am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I becomes even more simple." "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "You have it, sir, just as it happened." It may be so in this case, also." question you as to those details which seem to me to be most The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has into the room. third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all my room." Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "Yes, it would be as well." morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt most important business. It is probable that he will be away all cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood room had already been engaged for us. my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." and laid it on the table. out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "Was your sister dressed?" and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, so.' she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "And your father? Did you tell him?" "But how could you guess what the motive was?" those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much should be taken.' back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that it." "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, is four-and-twenty." "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together and laid it on the table. nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my as this. Pray let me have the details." questionable one." "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a the best of training." in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but brandy and water within his reach. "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, happened." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that meant." is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "'What then?' I asked. nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa and inquire as to the address." including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold yet." "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "I cannot as yet see any connection." Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. Sutherland. "Can I be of assistance?" bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept to miss it." "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "So I heard. You have him here?" "Then you may entirely rely on me." carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but