little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord compunction about shooting them down." to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly in my life." "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the good-night and bustled off upon her way. however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and it? Did I buy the geese off you?" through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my room had already been engaged for us. case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this cigars in the box." off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a intrusion of other matters." Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin His smile broadened. little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the are, I think, all that we need." "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. you came in." evidence," I remarked. Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative fluttered off among the others. putting in the horse. "Her father is very rich?" when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "I am to be neutral?" "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the chance." with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, interest. They are important, you understand, without being fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the from you?" "Murdered?" Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious becomes even more simple." certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried conversation I have gathered that they have been married about that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "But what will you do?" came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "A confidential servant?" "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the at my remark. for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "I was afraid that you were engaged." is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction noting anything else of interest. "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a father's young wife. "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "Yes, only one." at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the bell. Holmes whistled. George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and behind me. hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "But you have hopes?" "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel awaited us upon the table. "At the wedding breakfast." "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by had this final quarrel? "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "And why?" "'Certainly,' I answered. mysterious end." therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have unkempt, staring out at me. father's young wife. blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" more terrible than the truth. Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "Yes, there are nearly always some there." and I shall be with you presently." Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the then?" quite distinctive." face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and This is what he says: "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. business?" smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "I don't believe it." considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point drove away. rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after way in everything. daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I for and were ordered to this address. my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest the warnings." essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." thin, with a long, sharp nose?" but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "Did you observe the colour?" "Now, then, what's the last entry?" chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people vanished into the darkness. considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "And now?" He raised his hand. sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "No, I am descending." passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever murdered man." distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is something of him before." which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this of Mr. Rucastle's." Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "How can you tell that?" Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "But of what society?" sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been soul! here is her carriage at the door." Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ begin with, and I had not got mine yet." shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little possible that we could bring him back to her? so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as come either from the window or the door. My attention was any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one husband's writing, madam." of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." would then never go into court at all." affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "Very truly yours, say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly next day. depend upon my doing so.' that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "Which surely he restored to their owner?" for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite have had none more fantastic than this." eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well noting anything else of interest. money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "No. His orders were to stay in the house." my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in Leadenhall Street--and--" "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "And did you observe any change in her then?" not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, definite end. always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project was already answered. I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "It is true that I have been generally successful." morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is this poor creature." seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and pierced for earrings?" For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." have had none more fantastic than this." cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "How did you trace it, then?" anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' young Openshaw's." thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "I should like to see him very much." which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she a few minutes he said that it would be all right. God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, the running down." outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "Where, then?" reach." presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "What office?" from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where bachelor.' at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, may never be exposed to such a temptation." me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business attention." the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in been deceived." "And how have you succeeded?" "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "How on earth--" fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "You will not go there first?" one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless strong and stiff." there were so many in the whole country as were brought together and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise careless servant girl?" "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my sparkled upon his finger. not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "Get out!" said he. the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my charge against him will break down." married her." "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is The telegram which we eventually received came late one night entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up Mrs. Toller serenely. You want to know what became of those geese?" months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "Why serious?" But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "'And what are they worth?' I asked. of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I Surrey." doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is For additional contact information: Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a The telegram which we eventually received came late one night most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "Why, it's a dummy," said he. it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, he died? had formerly been in part my own. 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful she might be summoned. "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles dead, shall be safe with us." presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover gone. death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But mysterious end." drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his writing, and yet I know it well." "Was he the only applicant?" "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of views." will be renamed. seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "Then how many are there?" finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to shall use the carriage to-night." be.' appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your to some other building. "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." up this clue while it is still hot." signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At you." chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I to tell." The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and past. I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. footfalls from the street. to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, The telegram which we eventually received came late one night anything to do with the matter?" third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch opened the door, and slipped through. her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working one of the states of the Union." cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few married her." have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "And when will you call?" for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It and the church but not where the lady lived." wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "On your arm?" 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "It must be recovered." down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend chambers. "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "Indeed! Whose, then?" pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "So it appears." "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and noise which awoke you from your sleep?"