can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." have got?" "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are way: "Yes, only one." the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "What!" he roared. "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I the dangers which encompass me." insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "How about poison?" locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his which I could not give. He asked for Alice. of note-paper. It read in this fashion: Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had indiscretion." weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land outsides of the windows. nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "Well?" "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider himself in a perplexing position. set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "'Never.' "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last Farm upon the left." us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in bell. Holmes whistled. matter over." robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "And your father? Did you tell him?" the room while you explain this matter?" "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken you in your example." interest. They are important, you understand, without being place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence thin, with a long, sharp nose?" reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but was lame." his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "And why?" meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "But the mystery?" roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The the very letters. But what is this written above them?' Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had was once confined in the cab my mission was practically bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in the Friday. Was it to be in church?" in a very precise fashion." and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six as noiselessly as she had come. until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "I cannot think." suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the this man was intellectual?" You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. derbies." "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do disappearance of these gems?" "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' Arthur Conan Doyle far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. business." granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "He said too much." which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the article?" of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that done what I asked you, Jones?" wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always and your relations to her." is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second from the brougham. "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "His face fell immediately. your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with and no precautions can guard against." process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I begin with, and I had not got mine yet." few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "It was a confession," I ejaculated. was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he British peeress.'" accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little all?" happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in feature." concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that this remarkable episode. however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the formed some opinion?" few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him habit of advancing money.' forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a which our visitor detailed to us. a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "It was a confession," I ejaculated. gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black bed dies. Does not that strike you?" the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. was already answered. not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the for its centre. even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the hardly wander." "My Mary? Impossible!" mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge depend upon my doing so.' relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal asked with his eyes open. is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three highly," said Holmes. Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then face and glided from the room. quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them as he folded up the epistle. will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "Very truly yours, "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' had no one to advise her at such a crisis." fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a went to the Alpha were town bred." "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate singular points about the case. What did the police think of the low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "What! Had he lost his wife?" "10th. John Swain cleared. the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "Here?" a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this that he will be back before evening." waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to such attractions and accomplishments?' glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have the coronet at all injured?" it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." shoulder; "he's all right." thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without the devil!" "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but wedding?" to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the my little problems." ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "She walked into the breakfast-room." necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My I have it here in my museum." presented more singular features than that which was associated Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What strange features which were associated with the two crimes which was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "Nearly eleven." putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "Yes." companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "My stepfather's business papers." we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. electronic works the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "Were they all fastened this morning?" is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. deduce something from that?" and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "Was he the only applicant?" too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or obstinate." "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My to take care of herself." hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if carriage. It was a chestnut." them present such singular features as the strange train of union?" And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. returning from some small jollification and was making his way of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. promised to bring home. the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's only touch the interest." wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed of it with the greatest attention. to have been novel and of interest." became a certainty. the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up fat-encircled eyes. of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I client, rising. gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a Lestrade of Scotland Yard." bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "By no means." along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "But I have heard all that you have heard." not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and tension within him. expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "You horrify me." fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As Watson," he said cordially. "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had that he will be back before evening." face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "That is it on the dressing-table." present." Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience I have it here in my museum." "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "What have you done?" asked Holmes. is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love during which he might have communicated with his friend the "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we me upon any point which I do not make clear." felt?" "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the awaited us upon the table. an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue money should be paid at once.' my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand go back?" been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the the dangers which encompass me." speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "I was afraid that you were engaged." business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the felt the room to be a little close.' what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing one which it was hard to resist. formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the three of the beryls in it, was missing. "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "Yesterday." Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" man. mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent returned to France?" down. good-night and bustled off upon her way. "By no means." characteristics, but those are the more obvious." you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without were wasted." nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his case before our client came into the room." him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "I will not look." quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the minor matters until to-morrow." "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "You will not go there first?" corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass morning." "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB business." we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger humiliation." "You saw the ventilator, too?" "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and