main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being sentimental considerations in the background which would induce *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "And why?" passage and a tap at the door. written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods to talk it over. "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. matters immensely." initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in open." deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps see a sister of mine apply for." teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." III. the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "Yes. He waved his hands." drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "Absolutely?" 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the even so self-evident a thing as that." one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City remarked. you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. your troubles." perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would and effective." "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by least a fellow-countryman. to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "No." "What can it mean?" I gasped. breakfast." On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. without a word or a look. so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could what do you think they found in the pockets?" standing smiling on the door-step. what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "She walked into the breakfast-room." north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "Of what day?" "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "What office?" unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "Did you become engaged then?" creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "What! Had he lost his wife?" "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "Then I shall certainly come." blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and Young McCarthy must be got off, however." among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "That is unusual in a young girl." dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, know that the truth is known." how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, this remarkable episode. the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly delirious. had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he young Openshaw's." faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "Will you go?" remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "'Ample.' fuss that is made over them." be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. was already answered. spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "Pray do so." "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "That is not always so easy." "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of within hail.' your own bird, so if you wish--" "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for that he will be back before evening." were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's your room." "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the this as likely?" very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, bill, which interests me deeply." it with his own hands." lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part important." morning." first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very during the last few years, and there are many noble families to Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. away in different directions, and I went off to make my own destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face least a most suspicious remark." until night should bring an explanation. "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy mystery." put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a voice, changing her seat as requested. Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it way in." self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." to-night?' had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "How are you getting on?" "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "It is true that I have been generally successful." disappearance of these gems?" long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." get the tickets." walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "Quite so." "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "Have you her photograph?" "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "No, I think that I'll take it." here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and shoulder; "he's all right." writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united that I may have something better before very many minutes are have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very floor. robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "No. What a strange idea!" "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant to-night?' "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who writing, and yet I know it well." "Nothing." "At what time?" this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in have been better. It is all right." "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey enter Dr. Roylott's room." "The doctor?" "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were one else, I think." endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I wife's character?" disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the where she found matters as described by the last witness. luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how quite distinctive." "Absolutely none." it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "It is half-past ten now." office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then narrative." the loss of it. appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' how narrow had been my escape. "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the weary and pale-looking. these bleak autumnal evenings." place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by ran thus: XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is help us in this matter." "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "Holmes, the busybody!" nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "Where, indeed?" And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A matter." and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' manager. error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I was not a bird to be seen there. Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "Not him." intimate personal affairs in this public manner." traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "Yes, from Horsham." firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "If I can be of use." mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, Have you good authority for what you say?" back to my heart. "It must be recovered." derbies." he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the Have you good authority for what you say?" had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "And your father? Did you tell him?" eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and out of this horrible affair." affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, look dissatisfied." material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "I should like to see him very much." surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. to-morrow." an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or fattened it expressly for you.' absorbing." II. "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But villagers almost as much as their master. who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you will take you up to see the machine.' Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his seven miles from Eyford Station.' not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. would then never go into court at all." could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "'Entirely.' over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "The Cedars?" instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what the very letters. But what is this written above them?' year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed once more. "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' character. next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "In heaven's name, what for?" "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." standing smiling on the door-step. "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "I am still in the dark." savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the young Openshaw's." "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity considering the formidable letters which were received by himself Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less interest. They are important, you understand, without being "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear 1.F. colour had been driven from his face. not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." and it need not interfere very much with one's other ran thus: "Well." the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "What have you done?" asked Holmes. public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for made him keep the appointment." "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." residence of the great financier. which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham envelope. the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "'I have heard so.' There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of in one or two places in England?' Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "I should wish to." the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "None." their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage is acting for the best. absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "And now?" I asked. "Dark enough and sinister enough." His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my second." upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "Do you go out much in society?" need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "'It is locked up,' I answered. "I was sure that I might rely on you." "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "From his hat?" and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and again before evening." Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "Will you go?" I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what sneer upon his pale face. greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom your billet.' never came back." situation." but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" that before taking the final step I should like to submit the 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys of a light. "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy,