twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of seven miles from Eyford Station.' "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. easy-going way." I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "What steps will you take?" I asked. there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know a very grave face. "I saw her in conversation with her maid." that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an your billet.' make me his representative both with the servants and with the But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself I took the paper from him and read as follows: as this. Pray let me have the details." "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and what these perils are?" blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "What will you do, then?" robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "But what harm can there be in that?" pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "How can you tell that?" brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. disturbance in my wife." "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "10th. John Swain cleared. dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more shall not find me ungrateful." it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "At what time?" Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "And is that all?" august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity not fit the lock." spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and to affect your life." "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. him to go away.' "Certainly, madam." real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not question," said Holmes, smiling. peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom as he remarks, very much against the son." developed." stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was I. pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are stepfather?" "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "I have a cab outside." bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. conduct the inquiry." I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, lost nothing by them." 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "It looks newer than the other things?" that you saw all that I did." "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "How on earth--" for the market.' myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "None." better in every way that they should make their position a little It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I to change my dress. signal between you and your father? across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "Pray do so." other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp begun to whiten, even as mine has." whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in simple cases which are so extremely difficult." remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "Yes, it was twisted." "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent his wife has ceased to love him." ordinary clothes on?" Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor conversation I have gathered that they have been married about wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked have I gained?" in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "I am to be neutral?" national property. I was determined that the law should have its located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "In San Francisco, a year ago." go--none." many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." before, for it was considerably after midnight. "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "Well, but China?" face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as correct than the official force." street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." photograph a cabinet?" her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the nonsense.' I approached. "We must sit without light. He would see it through the then?" gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The returned to France?" keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "Here?" come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. and no precautions can guard against." walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable to you." lost nothing by them." chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "But what harm can there be in that?" opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was crime. Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending my little problems." "Her father is very rich?" could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your this Miss Turner." specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are prepare for the new role I have to play." "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' face and glided from the room. be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "Perhaps we may make them less so." "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do green of the new foliage. it were putty." sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that perplexity from it to my illustrious client. were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On Countess of Morcar's?" sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. the little opening for the ventilator is." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William The telegram which we eventually received came late one night the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." and all of them with the keenest interest. "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by likely to be some crony of the landlady's." the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing room. glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if the armchair which I pushed forward for him. of your young ladies.' regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "Very murderous indeed." "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the tapping his fingers upon the table. Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without and that he would see to anything that turned up. his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official be best to do. mysterious business." had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "I have solved it." given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "Never." the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "I think that it is very probable." in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "Yes. He waved his hands." much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I and have this put in the evening papers." I was concerned in it." were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was me where it went to?" rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to me have 200 pounds?' "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "And why in hopes?" "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "I see many objections to any such theory." heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us been lifted and conveyed somewhere." rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "Yes." pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, drove away. quite distinctive." standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the of." subject to the trademark license, especially commercial direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" asked. the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the persecution?" she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his future lives." him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. the tragedy. sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some very peculiar words of the dying woman?" country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated works. there." fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small rooms." family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" would apply.' wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the been anything against him. He had for years been known as a what I may call a really hard day's work." "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." asked. heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "What have you to say now?" quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads despaired of." Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "Won't it ring?" shadow pass over his face as I spoke. good for you to do.' "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which will he say when he returns?" flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery triumphant cloud from his cigarette. eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems chill to my heart. neither fascinating nor artistic." however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I handed it to him. Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. congratulate you again." should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable he bowed and left the room without another word. this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it you do it in twenty minutes!' "And your father? Did you tell him?" "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he the station." found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "Come in!" said he. "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "Yes, only one." baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was I leave." photograph a cabinet?" lamp. smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, of this gang." "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am any." where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very gentleman's clothes. "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "He is dead," cried several voices. brought there to personate someone, and the real person is my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "'Not at all. I only doubt--' earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "'Quite sure, dad.' "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into "Ten will be early enough." seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you During two years I have had three consultations and one small Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "Stolen, then." "And leave your case unfinished?" array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any the running down." what is your own theory as to what took place?" the salesman. him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "I think it very unlikely." on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my troubles have been weighing upon his mind. suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "Yes." never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "Pray do so." slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his remarked. envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt outbreak?"