the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "What I expected to see." rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, some water from a caraffe. "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, imbecility!" he cried. that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "In San Francisco, a year ago." and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "'Ample.' his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "And from a noble client?" the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it house for five minutes.' across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. prove to be little relation between the different incidents of interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the both be extremely obliged.' "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon right! Sit down and let us talk it over." received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I them?" (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "To an end?" heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I once more for Briony Lodge. is entirely a question of barometric pressure." And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon Have you good authority for what you say?" corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, had formerly been in part my own. "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg the matter." that he will be back before evening." ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet the date of his supposed suicide." down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "The decline of his fortunes, then?" patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, noble correspondent could be. scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am strong and stiff." and that he would see to anything that turned up. you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "Whose house is it?" "But I have heard all that you have heard." from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider the King without delay." "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "What is it, then--a fire?" "But how did you gain them?" protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, examination of the premises, but without finding anything which crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security ourselves in the office." By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I indiscretion." o'clock is it?" constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The there when the Rucastles went away." "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and question," said Holmes, smiling. perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either business matters.' in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice results." Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a hopeless attempt at recovering them." all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of of receipt of the work. call the police, let the police find what they can.' this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "It is true that I have been generally successful." outside." Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. Arthur Conan Doyle across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "Game for a morning drive?" insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three one of the states of the Union." shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up politicians who had been sent down from the North. "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small several quiet little villages up there." "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." unclasping of his long thin hands. "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I Pope's Court. "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "Never." middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this companion. without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little have had none more fantastic than this." back alive. the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. stalked out of the room. the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all read over the extraordinary announcement. surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "Whose house is it?" "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a questioning and rather startled gaze. places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague vanished into the darkness. do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the an introduction to him?" DAMAGE. dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the I took the paper from him and read as follows: 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door States. every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "Pray be precise as to details," said he. dates and names. smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I very morning of my second wedding." invisible to me," I remarked. Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended third from London." slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "Did you become engaged then?" vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with one or two very singular points about this room. For example, photograph?" it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting strength of mind to control. "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to and the church but not where the lady lived." considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "The rest you will leave in our hands." "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I at home. the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all with the outside air!" Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first them?" colonel looking down at me. locked." "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had matters immensely." "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "But how did you gain them?" shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps from the brougham. this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need than to us. inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be me. You must get home instantly and act." "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his already been minutely examined." streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "And what then?" "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition opportunities to fix the problem. steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has discontent upon his features. this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and anything to do with the matter?" thirty. "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they Young McCarthy must be got off, however." square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea to-night?" I asked. "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. correct than the official force." "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "Can I be of assistance?" Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "Where did you address your letters, then?" have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting jewels which you have stolen?' more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up to have that photograph." "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "Not yet." base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next not within a twentieth part of the market price." me upon any point which I do not make clear." We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is noting anything else of interest. springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress formed some opinion?" This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an will take you up to see the machine.' window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "Only as much as we can deduce." the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, your Highness to the police-station?" "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had closely." "Quite so." But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "She told me to ask you." which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." sneer upon his pale face. the window, rose as we entered. moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few what do you think they found in the pockets?" ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "That also I could fathom." how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "It is very kind of you." Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with made him keep the appointment." there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "I should like to see him very much." "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the questionable one." upon an income of about 60 pounds." possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." present strange and interesting features that it is no easy outbreak?" digesting their breakfasts at home." at a side door. where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you Holmes' thin, eager face. peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one read over the extraordinary announcement. Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; The police have openly confessed that they can at present make Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "My photograph." which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "When did she vanish, then?" side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a of campaign. "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce directors, with the result that you have seen." higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said your bag." watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "Where, then?" Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a upon the shelf for the interim." occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "To an English lawyer named Norton." hour?' was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a of the one which your family is now devouring." "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the go back?" offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." was not a bird to be seen there. "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "Look there!" said he. present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The train.' matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, imbecility!" he cried. "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "You think that he is dead?"