"'Entirely.' "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "The best possible." very peculiar words of the dying woman?" observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I tear off another piece?' "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "In San Francisco, a year ago." stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and presume?" the warnings." away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a seem to you to be relevant or not." The police have openly confessed that they can at present make passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for thought that she would have been so carried away." could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my orange pips. "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a if she died from some sudden fright." "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, You want to know what became of those geese?" Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to hardly wander." flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "'And what are they worth?' I asked. to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at sparkled upon his finger. left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand ventilator." ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "But his left-handedness." maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than Countess of Morcar's?" "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "In San Francisco, a year ago." will he say when he returns?" hurried away. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "How can you tell that?" "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking upon an income of about 60 pounds." "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, Sutherland?" yards of it?' The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting said he at last. He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very swore that no one else had been in the front room during the for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "How about poison?" anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office of campaign. more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "The gentleman I describe." King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. said he. "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "What office?" and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "'There is a drive, then?' "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "Will you go?" when your master had gone out." learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are said he, "my real name is James Ryder." been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" soul! here is her carriage at the door." which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said lips." the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now my friend's incisive reasoning. bears upon the case?" It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the the bed, and you in that chair." furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not country, and eventually married, without anyone having a penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "I think that it is very probable." flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "Then what has happened to him?" distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, signal between you and your father? Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "'Yes, sir.' blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay rooms." ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and presume?" "What do you mean?" "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: you." "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "You have carte blanche." "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "Then the page we have seen--" there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "It is possible." upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for that like gravel from a pit.' "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the who was a member of your goose club." tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah Foundation Watson," he said cordially. stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" upon an income of about 60 pounds." stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "Quite so. She has her freedom." Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon daring than any effort of the imagination." ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "'Tell me all about it,' said I. centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get done what I asked you, Jones?" "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "Ample." "I have solved it." There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come weary and pale-looking. "Yes, from Horsham." I shall continue with my miserable story. "A greater distance to travel." foot. thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether hand, madam?" "Then, as to money?" Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up burst out into a roar of laughter. it." It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. maiden herself was most instructive." "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was against a man in the prime of life?" urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "Breckinridge is his name." quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "And how did you verify them?" vault. "Why, it's a dummy," said he. my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary that gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning to go into your room and bar your shutters?" analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "She will not sell." "Then you may be so with me." "Of what day?" four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." observed. and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "Here?" "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." experiences." as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "What then?" It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be an introduction to him?" have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "But who is he?" important." believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "It is true that I have been generally successful." not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of away to you." stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "When did it break out?" geese which you supplied to the Alpha." rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "Why, what do you mean?" But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "That is unusual in a young girl." spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. that he will be back before evening." foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "No." "That is easily got." "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while residence of the great financier. about here speaks of his kindness to him." made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" appeared upon the scene." little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "Never to return." some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "Oh, the cause is excellent!" side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that But Holmes shook his head gravely. "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with Holmes." full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his some city in a dream. out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. passage and a tap at the door. least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "Dirty?" brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the during the last few years, and there are many noble families to it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled hardly wander." other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he enough to aid us in our search." the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to crowd. 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "We were both in the photograph." disappearance of these gems?" house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." back into the street. corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, what do you think they found in the pockets?" every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 begun to whiten, even as mine has." pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "The King of Scandinavia." be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had tell me that you intended to go into harness." "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of woman." can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some affair. that you can jump it.' suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental was it brought him the coronet? particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." bed dies. Does not that strike you?" the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "It is very clear." desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was 1.F. whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey photograph a cabinet?" There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. asked. "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he your co-operation." by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the criminal. We have already had experience of such." "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that less than 26s. 4d. time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This and files of the old papers, following the future career of every get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then