once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "Have you it here?" simple cases which are so extremely difficult." to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "You horrify me." "The Coroner: What do you mean? the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "Upon what point?" door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little be.' Clair, of Lee." pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper away in different directions, and I went off to make my own clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB occurred." "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. as yours." uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "Where, then?" despair." "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." Miss Holder?" made his money." comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "Do you receive much company?" he asked. safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours woman." "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "Holmes, the busybody!" road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of the house with me." against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "'As governess?' copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but one of them." You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite occurred." follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very and no precautions can guard against." "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." murdered man." "I saw her in conversation with her maid." DAMAGE. it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that bedroom door." They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "The landlord of the Alpha." these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which and prosperity to your house. Good-night." she might be summoned. this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "Where, indeed?" the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "'Where could I find him?' and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their introspective fashion. "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his leaning back in his chair. past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack coroner's jury." sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. that, and I came down." stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking letters?" "And you thought he was pulled back?" master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the experiences." "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which get the tickets." them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "Where, then, is my wife?" owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it that there was nothing in it, after all." the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers you understand?" retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your test if we have an answer to our advertisement." sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than crackling voice. lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "Deserted you?" hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as late." he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a gone before you can get him to hospital." have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? fashion which was peculiar to him. glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "How can you tell that?" There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every at my remark. what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean indeed which he could not unravel. something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "You are hungry," I remarked. "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' conduct the inquiry." What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "Where, indeed?" "Do you know him?" not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the never to learn it at all." money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, Lestrade of Scotland Yard." of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "The King of Scandinavia." there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "One of the highest in England." deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we of a light. Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing again before evening." "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he the matter." Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began points in connection with it which never have been, and probably letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he points in connection with it which never have been, and probably his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all call you and give you the chance." ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. cigars in their mouths. was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "None." "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "So I heard. You have him here?" square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "No." man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've other lovers by making love himself." to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my amused." there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "I cannot tell." "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "ARAT," I read. Miss Holder?" almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, putting in the horse. heavy and sharp instrument." and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "Ten will be early enough." "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the happened." inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "That is not always so easy." "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "So it appears." reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, and looked back. never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I Henry Baker is a member." rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "Well, it is a possible supposition." me." year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place to have been novel and of interest." "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed papers on the sundial.'" electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "Then I can wait in the next room." delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is once more to my work. it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or annoyance, but no jest. We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at me where it went to?" "And the cigar-holder?" home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "No, I had a dozen." "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and closing the door. Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was me have 200 pounds?' read it out to me." "I think that I had better go, Holmes." days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, down in his armchair and closing his eyes. from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "Yes, they were peculiar boots." 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of which our visitor detailed to us. young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "What can you not understand?" useful material for showing traces. The double line a little watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call matter." thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "You horrify me." "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "Not in the least." voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the would then never go into court at all." other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to what these perils are?" rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at way in." that the gas is not laid on in his house?" Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of lids now and glanced across at his visitor. after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: sofa. This way, please!" on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a less than 26s. 4d. photograph?" it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "The murder was done with it." There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble His smile broadened. office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing he. lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's back into the street. "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "Married! When?" the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a some city in a dream. battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "Can I be of assistance?" nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "Then, how do you know?" not use it unless it is absolutely needed." and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "Yes, it would be as well." little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "Frequently." It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil keep the flames under. be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, tension within him. treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. shoulder; "he's all right." world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "'Very good.' "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "'Quite sure, dad.' brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "What! You do not mean bodies?" power." since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever breakfast." "Witness: I must still refuse. huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of the address that was given us in the advertisement. "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side row." "But you would not advise me to refuse?" beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, his fortune, and I went back to pa. quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I