"I have my revolver," said I. serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. round with crates and massive boxes. will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have in the port of London." as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always leave you to your papers for a little." "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should vault. into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be the inner apartment." every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings had picked up in the wood. I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away bonnet, and went out." carpenter." Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying disappearance of the bride.'" "So I heard. You have him here?" "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting into the room. presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open relief. can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea round with crates and massive boxes. observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "I am following you closely," I answered. "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a round with crates and massive boxes. I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in leaning back in his chair. then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to use an arc-and-compass breastpin." happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the returning from some small jollification and was making his way out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been hopeless attempt at recovering them." business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "'You doubt its value?' he asked. and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he seen the man in the road." came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the throat." key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days shag which I had seen upon the previous night. fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY the best of training." are windows in it, of course?" His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always detective. house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was simple cases which are so extremely difficult." said Mr. Holder. "'Which dealer's?' He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "Ah, but I was recommended to you." afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." had died away into the silence from which it rose. had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "Very truly yours, when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "Holmes, the busybody!" behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, the room while you explain this matter?" inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, which our visitor detailed to us. evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been congenial hunt. The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic the room while you explain this matter?" town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A never to learn it at all." "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "'Stolen!' he cried. LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. orange pips. I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "Certainly." "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "I cannot imagine." cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "Why did you beat the pavement?" "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your pressing in one house as in another. with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in mysterious business." He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. forebodings. very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the trying to your nerves." towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King that, and I came down." him!" "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a answered with a sidelong glance. to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his pressing in one house as in another. Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "I never have." "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go answer." LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, third from London." stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that views." "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "I never have." people in all walks of life. The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and populous neighbourhood." down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the troubles have been weighing upon his mind. father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is been lifted and conveyed somewhere." estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the joking. "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "I cannot tell." "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a my room." half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his as this. Pray let me have the details." suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet you?" time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would companion quietly. it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "Entirely." post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' Miss Holder?" Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "I cannot tell." "Get out!" said he. "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "The doctor?" drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he It was close upon four before the door opened, and a glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "It certainly sounds feasible." re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. important." "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "That is unusual in a young girl." astonishment. week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "None." "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover returned to France?" entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question look upon these things in a different way." When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that along the entire front of the house, with three long windows out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. results." wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money populous neighbourhood." III. "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened dear old homesteads?" thirty. Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at silent! Oh, he will be silent!' fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the it." Munro.' whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "How many? I don't know." so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "Then how many are there?" a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the business at Coburg Square is serious." Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "You have the photograph?" enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "BALLARAT." assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "To an end?" vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away again." beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his It may be so in this case, also." not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." you for a few hours?" forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "The landlord of the Alpha." so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant where we are going." residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "And your father? Did you tell him?" away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, the night.' "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking crackling voice. specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "Then the page we have seen--" "It goes to the housekeeper's room." until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light frequently gained my first real insight into the character of against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two certainly do as you advise." "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "I think that it is very probable." have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "Oh, fresh and glossy." 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "Did you become engaged then?" the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "We were both in the photograph." "Has he come with you to-night?" are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose late." "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was despaired of." It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates drove away. the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "You horrify me!" cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal to tackle the facts." that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "What will you do, then?" years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "'Oh, no.' of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, Countess of Morcar's?" of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the instituted." me what he had done with the three missing stones. Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, beyond words. very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "That is not always so easy." thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by narrative." "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to examination of the premises, but without finding anything which one or two very singular points about this room. For example, folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a fashion which was peculiar to him. as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "Proceed, then." accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and and wait." and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, overpowering excitement and concern. For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with look dissatisfied." the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening singular points about the case. What did the police think of the lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know