"No, I am descending." Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. into the bag, and made for the door. return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, the driver. town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "An accident, I presume?" James Windibank. Voilà tout!" Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "I cannot imagine." you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been straighten it?" logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A relief. we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "It came here." "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "'As governess?' weighed down with some great anxiety. editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling I held the little printed slip to the light. when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies electronic works inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "'Certainly,' I answered. change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell companion imperturbably. creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, distinguish the words: box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say about. "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "You are certainly joking, Holmes." is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." conduct the inquiry." "What can it mean?" I gasped. very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if awaited us upon the table. seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at trifles." open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 enter into my head. down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with For additional contact information: "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "Well, some hundreds of times." "What have you done?" asked Holmes. INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose you want, then?' rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the note?" held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "You have the photograph?" room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am highly," said Holmes. once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found pictures, libraries, or plate. business at Coburg Square is serious." Count Von Kramm." he. But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "Yes, sir." and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, place no limit on the sum I may draw." urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "I don't believe it." it." grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "I was sure that I might rely on you." one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect me have 200 pounds?' the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots any." wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to developed." congratulate you again." to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "On the contrary, this is the right side." in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' this Miss Turner." without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the that I may have something better before very many minutes are "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "It came here." lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "Witness: Nothing definite. one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and appeared upon the scene." status with the IRS. once more on the important position which you have been fortunate disappearance of these gems?" in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." upon the sideboard." "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "Nothing." might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "Nothing?" you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of window when the police appeared." heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," father's young wife. of your young ladies.' to have that photograph." Chief Executive and Director memory. "Then, how do you know?" broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." Does that suggest anything?" "'Yes, it was gone.' a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and all?" it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. on re-entering her father's house?" "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand some terrible trap for her." "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "Of what?" the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge done what I asked you, Jones?" pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the tail." playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "Bought." assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers garden below. beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw of them has the shutters up.' one of the states of the Union." the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I events than those which have happened in my own family." he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" retorted upon me, and I on you." that, and I came down." to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms invisible to me," I remarked. "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a in this way: "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, Project Gutenberg-tm works. Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. letters?" You want to know what became of those geese?" It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "Nothing." "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right foot. trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without answer." the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," which should have the effect of calling the attention of the a monotonous occupation." facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "I shall be delighted." "My last client of the sort was a king." waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." your own bird, so if you wish--" swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my you want, then?' tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his questioning and rather startled gaze. forebodings. rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "And sit in the dark?" light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a a monotonous occupation." crackling voice. "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend the King without delay." followed. "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry been anything against him. He had for years been known as a to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to over part of the map. "What do you read?" "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. with the outside air!" questionable one." remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "I would pay ten." Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, to tackle the facts." observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we jewels which you have stolen?' and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the three of the beryls in it, was missing. in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let Holmes. learned something! Where are the gems?" "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us to change my dress. "None." hour." used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "You heard nothing yourself last night?" came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "None. Neville wrote those words." colonel looking down at me. upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing be sorry for having acted so harshly." the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I light and attacked it." confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from where she found matters as described by the last witness. in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "There are none." tied." Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a affair. of this gang." understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so developed." admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect is acting for the best. 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "But what harm can there be in that?" "When did she vanish, then?" of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of closing the door. with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry whereabouts. say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be least a most suspicious remark." form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm dates and names. roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person what I may call a really hard day's work." slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just was feeling which was the fattest.' his wife has ceased to love him." her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? Sutherland. considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But Sutherland?" frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had way: my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came observed. clang of the bell. sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what sound at heart." "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got bedroom door." closing the door. that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 hour?' ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "How on earth--" newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was and effective." screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. Holmes' room. "And you can do nothing until then?" 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "How did that help you?" his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have have got?" years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the this Miss Turner." India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, learned something! Where are the gems?" her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and use an arc-and-compass breastpin." The summons was a brief and urgent one. "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off lost his Christmas dinner." "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I nice household for a young lady." thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in