a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, certainly do as you advise." as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my The telegram which we eventually received came late one night most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the Sholtos." "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in is worth.' The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what 1.E.9. destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. Chief Executive and Director deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly back to my heart. "The best possible." flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is rose-bushes. certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. strength in the others." drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." the salesman. month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." of them has the shutters up.' gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "Pray continue your narrative." one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, people don't know." considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "No. His orders were to stay in the house." there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of ready to-morrow?' dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was companion imperturbably. actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make meanly of me." and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "In what way?" asked Holmes. Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" which are rolled in Rotterdam." house for five minutes.' which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I down in his armchair and closing his eyes. ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I of the way of danger. first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at get her out of the way." London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled could not have written that. It is the German who is so outsides of the windows. may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I other, as fresh and trim as possible. "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "Very truly yours, "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the brandy and water within his reach. Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," bird of prey. that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of triumphant cloud from his cigarette. overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a on in his house." (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from man. I know him from the photograph." the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "I am sure." the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "What is it, then--a fire?" up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay exactly what you advise." the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no absolutely follow my advice in every respect." and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the time." spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself the window, rose as we entered. "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of absolutely follow my advice in every respect." extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I in my life." human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt geese which you supplied to the Alpha." up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "It is possible." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. you want, then?' orange pips. the inquest, and which are worth considering." opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "Deserted you?" It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here tell me that you intended to go into harness." Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." lumber-room." distance from the station, and there we found the young lady The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it copied or distributed: Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I may never be exposed to such a temptation." Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, hands. lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been Project Gutenberg-tm works. I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made tension within him. would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "But I have heard all that you have heard." would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias kind enough to tell me what I should do." "Stolen." of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who appeared upon the scene." gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very used to be." asked. "I guessed as much." endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a observed. "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my silent! Oh, he will be silent!' particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those quite distinctive." and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "No legal papers or certificates?" suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the money should be paid at once.' Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the least a most suspicious remark." "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her past. of your young ladies.' that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "Yes. He waved his hands." "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "The landlord of the Alpha." the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "We must sit without light. He would see it through the without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so photograph a cabinet?" B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty lips." deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "Get out!" said he. when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This foot. bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "'I have already given you my word.' Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the breakfast and whispered something to her husband. weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "Have you it here?" all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable and no precautions can guard against." "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, envelope. when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "No." "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry but preventing her from injuring another. as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire pound a week." Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For the one as in the other." unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, morning." Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "What do you mean?" walking." frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the a room. you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that chill to my heart. the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "Because he was handy and would come cheap." and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that constraint." Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I the inner apartment." "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal events than those which have happened in my own family." "Where to?" natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some entirely devoid of interest." an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything again." Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to crackling voice. developed." air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "At half-wages, in fact." "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "To the police?" One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the existence." "What will you do, then?" of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of back into the street. Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "Because he was handy and would come cheap." 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you congratulate you again." many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran name is different." "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. relief. shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is heavy and sharp instrument." "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "Where, then?" more terrible than the truth. Dr. Gregory B. Newby was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not second." labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem where Mr. Fordham shows you.' really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an with the outside air!" "And what did you see?" very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "Absolutely?" the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on photograph?" terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the have I gained?" "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the throat." any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "Precisely." one else, I think." jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But fact, we may call it conclusive." facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction married her." look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue is," said he presently: greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" The events in question occurred in the early days of my could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither begun to whiten, even as mine has." am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "Deserted you?" she might be summoned. card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "It missed him, then?" "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "Which are?" any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. down in his armchair and closing his eyes. fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience "Where, then?" with some details as to your case." which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, soul! here is her carriage at the door." I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four three fields round his house, and there he would take his at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I the address that was given us in the advertisement. band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "But we can't all be." original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "You know me, then?" anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "Precisely." once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at highly," said Holmes. figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see