"And where is it?" I asked, smiling. Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the he. that I can to serve you." civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "Not in the least." flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten down. tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "The Coroner: What do you mean? uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual that you can jump it.' morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the appeared upon the scene." paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "Will you bet, then?" were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "Here?" Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "You have compromised yourself seriously." States. quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest directly by questioning you." with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg bill, which interests me deeply." it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "Very. But will he see it?" weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer read over the extraordinary announcement. resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "Very well, sir. And this stone?" ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has it means?" "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique III. whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself to arrive at through this?" this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some whatever might befall. "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very information in his hands the value of which he did not himself where she found matters as described by the last witness. practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very one of them." retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good village inn over there?" professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one the warnings." surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life McCarthy's innocence. of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated detained." misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one the matter." right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small public press." of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "That is possible." "Do you know him?" to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they security.' never will be, entirely cleared up. much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, photograph?" opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for father's young wife. folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any had no one to advise her at such a crisis." of it with the greatest attention. as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg up this clue while it is still hot." He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "'Then let me do so?' down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that arms and began to sob in a high treble key. although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's is," said he presently: clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "Did your wife hear all this?" the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside lamp. without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that to that open window." case-book, which he consulted. chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my matter." "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was hand, madam?" have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "Was she in good spirits?" was already answered. sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of astonishment. has little to do with my story." concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned McCarthy's innocence. acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in my room." which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "You were travelling in the States?" every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was the bottom.' you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came during that time.' "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, be. "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "No, thank goodness, she did not." slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, his fortune, and I went back to pa. read over the extraordinary announcement. large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no tail." death." country, and eventually married, without anyone having a left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "And sit in the dark?" been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "I don't believe it." gives a meaning to it." 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "We must sit without light. He would see it through the know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "Witness: I must still refuse. we went to search for him, face downward in a little about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "We must have a cab." "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as been." "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are electronic works He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester your bag." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "You are all wrong." matter over." out." a good hundred miles off by now." snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but wanted for ourselves." one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "What shall I do?" "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "Who was the criminal, then?" "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as if only as a check to my own memory." Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in yet." "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for it." from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, information in his hands the value of which he did not himself which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business nice household for a young lady." abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple should be taken.' terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked married her." battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. was once confined in the cab my mission was practically country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "No sign of it?" frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his in one or two places in England?' street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "Deserted you?" "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard the King without delay." matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of front of the hall door has given its name to the place. hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties tail." our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we investigation." quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a and I shall be with you presently." Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has approach us with offers to donate. IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain tell me that you intended to go into harness." want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had I shall continue with my miserable story. and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "But she could not love him." a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he back to my heart. into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "And how have you succeeded?" "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an been." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William and capable of preserving a secret.' long narrative. was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, man. "'Very good.' "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "Do you go out much in society?" laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "And when will you call?" "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "And what did you learn from him?" are windows in it, of course?" the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of conceal it?" miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "At the wedding breakfast." at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "Of what day?" "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "Certainly, madam." sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is look upon these things in a different way." I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would second window is the one that I jumped from." interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." key turn in the lock." France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "One horse?" interjected Holmes. the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my derbies." 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera you came in." believe that I should never have any practice at all. Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "What will you do, then?" value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I affair. "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. ready to-morrow?' "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to charged with?" against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "Where to?" "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. brandy and water within his reach. into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. events, Mr. Windibank!" lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "No?" "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by carpenter." had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to cigars in the box." step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I Eyford at 11:15.' coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in