There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, girl said." the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "'Stolen!' he cried. "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "Precisely so. But how--" in a friendly supper." The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, said he, "my real name is James Ryder." clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not call the police, let the police find what they can.' had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right closing the door. broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed from you?" learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "Ah, but I was recommended to you." wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "What do you mean?" hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "And how did he make his money?" "I shall be delighted." "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for points to suicide?" Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a during the last few years, and there are many noble families to and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. as this. Pray let me have the details." tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "Holmes, the busybody!" "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility second." "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange of." "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done his wife has ceased to love him." lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six him, that man would not have given me such complete information "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he anything to do with the matter?" me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said any more." was a lad." "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting felt?" he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, of the way of danger. pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his sentimental considerations in the background which would induce morning." the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet 1.E.9. "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I his grey eyes. "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your pictures, libraries, or plate. Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "You are hungry," I remarked. open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "It is no ordinary one." you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view amused." sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On presented more singular features than that which was associated could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "You have the photograph?" earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. of the efforts of the United States government and of the better lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a lost his Christmas dinner." spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "That is possible." arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "My dear Holmes!" without a word or a look. and a shock of very red hair. the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "I beg pardon." These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. and looked back. precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in she to prove their authenticity?" written, and locked the door of the office after me. we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions is," said he presently: direction." so.' "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found chamber." brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his only touch the interest." "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each "So I have heard." some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "But you have hopes?" freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to this as likely?" did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who I. I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "At what time?" stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" and inquire as to the address." from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the upon the sideboard." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic lost his Christmas dinner." "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, works. See paragraph 1.E below. why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At fishes. whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "And what did you see?" "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and other means.' We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "Yes, but only for you and me." that before taking the final step I should like to submit the implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the the loss of it. grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "It is very kind of you." "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the daring than any effort of the imagination." some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "Were they all fastened this morning?" "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. him nearly every evening." "But it has twice been burgled." "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "It's nothing of the kind." down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, made him keep the appointment." "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, once more on the important position which you have been fortunate them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's could gather together that I was able to avert another public though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "You are all wrong." Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very that I can to serve you." I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. most interesting one." his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he point in the dark hollow of his hand. door?" "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss you." "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "About a month then." in my life." Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm entirely devoid of interest." into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, fat-encircled eyes. protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest hard-headed British jury." you in yours." instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "She will not sell." "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching papers." Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer villagers almost as much as their master. "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring directors, with the result that you have seen." suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there will he say when he returns?" at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age me where it went to?" which should have the effect of calling the attention of the may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations outside." least a fellow-countryman. his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, round with crates and massive boxes. "'Yes, I promise.' must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "What! a murderous attack?" which our visitor detailed to us. "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most figure." "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "Come in!" said Holmes. weighed down with some great anxiety. He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "Yes, but only for you and me." other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "Stolen." room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "But we can't all be." the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "'Certainly not. But why?' works. to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are beyond words. scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress closely." what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "'I shall certainly be there.' "Pray do so." spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. tell them apart.' son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the not, dad?" she asked. hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the weary and pale-looking. of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this heavily into it. south, for the country is more deserted there." will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with during that time.' "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and interested in these little problems, and since you are good suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do village inn over there?" "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, cigar and let me expound." "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, in a very precise fashion." come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of writing, and yet I know it well." for and were ordered to this address. works. See paragraph 1.E below. this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "Holmes, the busybody!" fuss that is made over them." making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "What is it?" just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the daring than any effort of the imagination." suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "Was there a secret marriage?" impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project me upon any point which I do not make clear." said he. copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should a room. bonnet, and went out." "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking Countess of Morcar's?" inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of girl said." "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it beg that you will break it off." characteristics, but those are the more obvious." however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss Clair, of Lee." Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of