"And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "Quite so." active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "None." there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to one else, I think." "Pray do so." thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a forebodings. "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "Whose house is it?" through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." 'please.'" papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "Here?" treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "He might." begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to during which he might have communicated with his friend the who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "Nothing." unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the some water from a caraffe. fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the begin with, and I had not got mine yet." morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey the child." responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her straightened it out again. dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to system of imprisonment?" repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret figure." "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps charged with?" *** START: FULL LICENSE *** phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project events than those which have happened in my own family." set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "'And what salary do you ask?' exactly what you advise." noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and pound a week." is now desirous of getting those letters back." my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his them?" pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced shadow pass over his face as I spoke. 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied daring than any effort of the imagination." a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "How did you trace it, then?" suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which matter over." knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed impression behind it as though a window had gently closed Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through I nodded to show that I had heard. remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a Sutherland?" to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project father's place of business?" "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "But you were on a friendly footing?" he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it the loss of it. you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock and the colonel ushered me in. complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in disturbance in my wife." the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked an introduction to him?" like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been bachelor.' through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "Not in the least." recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they cigar and let me expound." the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "Yes, only one." chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start he bowed and left the room without another word. thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve was once confined in the cab my mission was practically of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "Breckinridge is his name." "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after his face which made him a very different person to the round, gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I III. ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of way: "'I am sure if I had known--' Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down best detective that ever lived. "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because said I. bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began unprofitable." "Do you receive much company?" he asked. you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of trifles." corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, pierced for earrings?" think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "He disappeared so suddenly." is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" in the port of London." "'Then let me do so?' Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. forebodings. and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words him to go away.' was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with your room." said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a one of them." permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, them present such singular features as the strange train of thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw troubles have been weighing upon his mind. permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "Who was the criminal, then?" "Nothing." Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with some place of shelter and let the county police know what has be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, place no limit on the sum I may draw." read it out to me." shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must your troubles." should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" highroad, where all traces were lost. the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "'What then?' I asked. you." struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul a little more before I quite committed myself. in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had fashion which was peculiar to him. his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "Why serious?" "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to was keenly on my guard against him. stepfather?" "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." intimate personal affairs in this public manner." uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "The King of Scandinavia." hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." papers on the sundial.'" days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's golden eyeglasses. Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." whatever might befall. "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "No." "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet had a long day." bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "'Oh, no.' firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "When did it break out?" without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that cup of tea. say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does have not had my rubber." facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his as the one I chose?' half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "What steps will you take?" I asked. the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself morning." "I was sure that I might rely on you." two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. never will be, entirely cleared up. "Perfectly so." the child." unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not approach us with offers to donate. London for the present?" place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other him to be an active member of the medical profession." "I should be immensely obliged to you." the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and coat-tails." firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "And you can do nothing until then?" they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were this truth that in these little records of our cases which you seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I which I could not give. He asked for Alice. home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a most important business. It is probable that he will be away all narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique morning." of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich it." strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" him and tried to hold him back. occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "You have carte blanche." business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "Yes." of a light. we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "I am following you closely," I answered. greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and chemical work which was so dear to him. accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "Did he not advertise?" "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "Yes." nonsense.' Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "It is to him that this trophy belongs." the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "But she will refuse." and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new think that he is innocent?" ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." You can understand that this register and diary may implicate was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest were wasted." gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "I promise," said Holmes. its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, drove away. his face which made him a very different person to the round, that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott the inner apartment." back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "'I am sure that I do not know.' it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an foresight and the moral retrogression?" stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, overpowering excitement and concern. "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in about. "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and simple cases which are so extremely difficult." chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." a few minutes he said that it would be all right. which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a infinite languor in his face. gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you gone. as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "Yes." stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by might help us?" and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear