most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "I warn you that they are very incomplete." For additional contact information: knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "The decline of his fortunes, then?" details." it." they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And in a very precise fashion." "You horrify me." drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "In answer to an advertisement." she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days never will be, entirely cleared up. "Pray do so." "That is possible." have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "Yes." about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "Why did you pick him?" believe that I should never have any practice at all. long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his disappearance of the bride.'" "I cannot imagine." form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable to that open window." through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey Pope's Court. his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. lips." upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "May I see it?" number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that once more. must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "I would give my fortune to have them back." have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "Your presence might be invaluable." agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "But who is he?" father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "And I to find an enemy." nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with License. You must require such a user to return or three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "I say that I have solved it." the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." the so-precious time, but come!' light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We interest. They are important, you understand, without being learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by was lame." "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "It certainly sounds feasible." that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had you?" national property. I was determined that the law should have its five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I legal crime." building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then best detective that ever lived. one which it was hard to resist. following enigmatical notices: galvanised. Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "It must be recovered." moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in point our research must commence, and we will begin it by has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "'It is locked up,' I answered. "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "No bad?" "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found in this note: - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free said he. believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have said Mr. Holder. fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when hair?' an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "You know me, then?" the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "Yes, I have one waiting." "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far sofa. This way, please!" "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which said he. could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should awaited us upon the table. knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "But how did you gain them?" His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at charged with?" deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "Yes." square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a with you?" mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of village inn over there?" matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short notes," he said. Have you good authority for what you say?" is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too because she had spent so short a time in this country that she have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too make me his representative both with the servants and with the George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. paper in the air. garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "Bought." say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "How on earth--" his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "I have my revolver," said I. sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For outsides of the windows. shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other my friend's incisive reasoning. "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is upon the shelf for the interim." as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You my little problems." When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even have I gained?" window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "That is it on the dressing-table." "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "They are typewritten," I remarked. state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most it." "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. strong and stiff." clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, that he has suffered." well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in plantation.' thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "How many? I don't know." from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "Pray continue your narrative." at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "My dear Holmes!" combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "He is still with you, I presume?" "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "Your presence might be invaluable." "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" happened." against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "'Certainly not.' of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the cause to be." giving me time to thank him. Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and lost nothing by them." without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could said he. him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should pound a week." "So I have heard." "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in desk. refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "In the cells." year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah spare." "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." people don't know." said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money public press." he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense purpose equally well?" "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" tension within him. need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "Tired-looking or fresh?" "Stolen." when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "Where, indeed?" devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, You want to know what became of those geese?" "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "Then, as to money?" round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with neither fascinating nor artistic." diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do at my remark. impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had posted to-day." forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, just called myself is not exactly my own." all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And there was no need for father to know." "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "Never to return." dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." lumber-room." 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very all-comprehensive glances. along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you learned something! Where are the gems?" "No." filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "You are all wrong." public press." fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the went to the Alpha were town bred." first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked good for you to do.' "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in felt the room to be a little close.' national property. I was determined that the law should have its He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "Witness: Nothing definite. it." her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where business in the City. She little knew what. instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what definite end. wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "And now?" He raised his hand. murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever over part of the map. "What do you read?" It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry garden below. number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will bare slabs of marble. something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the little adventures." "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "Seven!" I answered. Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. the house with me." down from London to inquire more deeply into it." child?' the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me not, dad?" she asked. days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily read it out to me." wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I to change my dress. IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "Do you know him?" recall any case within my experience which looked at the first the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding very morning of my second wedding." the one as in the other." "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "What do you mean?" "It goes to the housekeeper's room." the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." gives a meaning to it." sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "Stolen." 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. purpose equally well?" lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" people in all walks of life. jewels which you have stolen?' mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the matters immensely." "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "What can it mean?" I gasped. investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which the tragedy. scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "No, I think that I'll take it." hardly wander." "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the promised to bring home. "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will morning." which I could not give. He asked for Alice. unprecedented a position." accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. seen the man in the road." in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "One horse?" interjected Holmes. little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "No." gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew problems help me to do so." "I beg pardon." Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he she used." "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am I nodded to show that I had heard. he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "But how did you gain them?" "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I the so-precious time, but come!' of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "Always." roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "Ample." course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly that?' of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a promised to bring home. the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but confronted him. second window is the one that I jumped from." typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business