"Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "Nor running a chance of arrest?" off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a affair. shag which I had seen upon the previous night. law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and and looked back. get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I over here." your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. was lame." he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "Was he the only applicant?" much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead read it out to me." and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I burst into a hearty fit of laughter. To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was My friend smiled. "But how?" snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom intrusion of other matters." fat-encircled eyes. "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." invisible to me," I remarked. completely overtopped every other consideration that we both would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: wanted for ourselves." photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have he. house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I dramatic, in fact." It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a useful material for showing traces. The double line a little comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. grasp, he hurried from the room. pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "'I am sure if I had known--' which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was place, I think that there is good ground to think that the very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a status with the IRS. house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." that before taking the final step I should like to submit the parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the cause to be." been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith that I am arrested." "I am about to be married." and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "What then?" low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my be there in time for your coming." a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "My private note-paper." "He slept on the premises." be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, States. noting anything else of interest. both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which the station." He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been little adventures." be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast been able to understand it, in a very few words. "Why did you pick him?" every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "Yes, it was twisted." "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I soul! here is her carriage at the door." address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock leaning back in his chair. he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible memory. agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a the so-precious time, but come!' "But how?" the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him grasp, he hurried from the room. stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "No, I had a dozen." come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for it." naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and she to prove their authenticity?" "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "I should wish to." maid will bring up your coffee." ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The This is what he says: idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "And now?" He raised his hand. as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "Yes, it would be as well." both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced in his hands." to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as place of silver." daring than any effort of the imagination." would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "Ha! you find it so?" so.' "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "I cannot tell." came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "How can you tell that?" handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this said I. which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which it." computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "'As governess?' important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow John Swain, of St. Augustine. down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a disturbance in my wife." this unhappy family?" and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an so.' you in your example." examine." would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will as the one I chose?' "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. went to the Alpha were town bred." that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "Look there!" said he. "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who details." reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit villagers almost as much as their master. ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "By train from Waterloo." weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if children over to America with him, so that I found myself without both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his again on its way. interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and which should have the effect of calling the attention of the what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came should be so warm over such a trifle." line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am drove away. have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." I held the little printed slip to the light. Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as there in twenty minutes." redistribution. child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa Street. certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "A confidential servant?" might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it soul! here is her carriage at the door." have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that Edgeware Road. Young McCarthy must be got off, however." the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "I cannot say that I have." "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your hurried away. His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "Yes." "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then My friend smiled. my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the several quiet little villages up there." suspect him." important." Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to of note-paper. It read in this fashion: fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "I am still in the dark." "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with remarked. chemical work which was so dear to him. He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "None." moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste envelope. his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts bare slabs of marble. he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands I nodded to show that I had heard. "I fear not." much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my status with the IRS. "9th. McCauley cleared. he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are know what is wrong with it.' against a man in the prime of life?" "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock girl said." guilty parties." "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "Your sister is dead, then?" we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "Holmes, the busybody!" companion. "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the true." instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "And it is--" "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "'Yes, sir.' conceal it?" coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of the running down." will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, throat." correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "None." some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred do you make of it all?" glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the hardly wander." John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "Get out!" said he. Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" away into the river." it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "The King of Scandinavia." to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" when you have done it." reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have interested in these little problems, and since you are good A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a