"No legal papers or certificates?" his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "And Miss Sutherland?" The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" our word." He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret recall any case within my experience which looked at the first shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "By train from Waterloo." the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal secret." smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he burst out into a roar of laughter. "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." eat it." journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "You are certainly joking, Holmes." or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "He disappeared so suddenly." October 9, 1890. ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. burst into a hearty fit of laughter. mysterious end." breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had he bowed and left the room without another word. too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "When did she vanish, then?" turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "I guessed as much." will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A into the bag, and made for the door. "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the the bottom.' some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both I nodded again. and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a question," said Holmes, smiling. golden eyeglasses. little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. already been minutely examined." accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father to Leatherhead. '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "Where, indeed?" to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed death." "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your friends, not even his own brother. which it had come upon my father." it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an seem to you to be relevant or not." which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "What will you do, then?" us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." bed dies. Does not that strike you?" whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "Bought." Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away this Miss Turner." away into the river." Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. advice." coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike Henry Baker is a member." "You are all wrong." was shining brightly. "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "You don't mind breaking the law?" Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold him!" sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen once more for Briony Lodge. of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "None. Neville wrote those words." "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the that was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "But what is it you wish?" to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "Yes, it was twisted." served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' four million human beings all jostling each other within the think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the did not hear it also.' clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "It is very clear." platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "'You cannot say what it was?' the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if likely to be some crony of the landlady's." tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely have been better. It is all right." fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming instituted." will not take me long to tell. worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a with the outside air!" it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "And what did you see?" loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of go from here to the Strand." see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "Have you her photograph?" Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "Precisely so. But how--" with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "'There is a drive, then?' with the outside air!" whatever might befall. "I have my revolver," said I. Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some for securing the situation." in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "Did you observe the colour?" it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into may never be exposed to such a temptation." weary and pale-looking. recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to wanted for ourselves." the Assizes." said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? you do it in twenty minutes!' the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." front of me. came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could more terrible than the truth. "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I not interfere, come what may. You understand?" putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, chance at all." frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a unprofitable." even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can success. was not a bird to be seen there. follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I him. position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the bore every mark of being an average commonplace British lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to opened the door, and slipped through. likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. system of imprisonment?" was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "Married! When?" intrusion of other matters." sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "Yes, from Horsham." Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming photograph a cabinet?" even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "Yes, sir." wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "One of his hands." the inquest, and which are worth considering." carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save intrusion of other matters." you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' hour." jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not and no precautions can guard against." not fit the lock." confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I himself to tell his story. into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw affection." Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "I was afraid that you were engaged." through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "He might." as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round clanging. Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." generous with you in money matters.' "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You more terrible than the truth. "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this a little more before I quite committed myself. rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "Pray do so." into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be strange features which were associated with the two crimes which case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to meanly of me." The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all affection." married her." poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "It looks newer than the other things?" which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "Not yet." vault. with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here to have that photograph." unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "And I." question. hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece had formerly been in part my own. paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project despaired of." It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He signal between you and your father? of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I legal crime." family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons hurried by. though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of asked. Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having is so. I know all about McCarthy." Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "No legal papers or certificates?" "You don't mind breaking the law?" stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "Nothing." and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in hardly wander." is so. I know all about McCarthy." floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush a very grave face. street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "'Never.' the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not For additional contact information: "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name everything which you would wish to know." be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, me. You must get home instantly and act." for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I deduce something from that?" "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the nothing of it?" man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can the bed, and you in that chair." standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were http://www.gutenberg.net "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely Edgeware Road. her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as so far?" he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, companion imperturbably. bird I ate is country bred." "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge without a word or a look. Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door annoyance, but no jest. "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning