called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if at a side door. "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "I have solved it." Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "'Tell me all about it,' said I. that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime always that they were such commands as a lady might with whatever might befall. unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the of the one which your family is now devouring." you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for quickly through a disagreeable task. sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "It is very clear." it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "And now?" I asked. blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "Not particularly." purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and Have you good authority for what you say?" Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. in him." I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." me what he had done with the three missing stones. or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "Why, it's a dummy," said he. threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "But we can't all be." to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any breakfast?" Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the investigation." Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "And what did you learn from him?" you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up entirely devoid of interest." thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that possible that we could bring him back to her? surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been it." that you saw all that I did." some mystery and the punishment of some crime." THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE the side-table." The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "I do." battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most touch that coronet?' man. pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "No, I think that I'll take it." "None." "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. congratulate you again." incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as me." carpenter." docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "The murder was done with it." back to my heart. "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and forbidden door. imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "Certainly." untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew into the room. making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and pierced for earrings?" the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "No sign of it?" if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "But you were on a friendly footing?" was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never second window is the one that I jumped from." Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old which should have the effect of calling the attention of the seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "What then?" lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their one of the states of the Union." he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without the morning and make my own way in the world.' to some other building. "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the retorted upon me, and I on you." something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "I cannot think." opened a pocket-book and took out a note. seem to you to be relevant or not." drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new cup of tea. "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the orange pips. written, and locked the door of the office after me. "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in public press." impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "One of his hands." him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may stalked out of the room. last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, less than 26s. 4d. sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. more solid." "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a too. deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys article?" you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the remarked. lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon shall use the carriage to-night." feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and should be so warm over such a trifle." comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "Did you become engaged then?" glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "No, I think that I'll take it." "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her open." "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is everything which you would wish to know." "Dr. Becher's." remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily the date of his supposed suicide." tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging you for a few hours?" to miss it." 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside I shall communicate with you." the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and which are rolled in Rotterdam." the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the sentimental considerations in the background which would induce think that any burglar could have done. points to suicide?" records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "It surprised me." of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table generous with you in money matters.' theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel that I am arrested." "And your mother is alive?" shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the His name is Francis Prosper." figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." of it with the greatest attention. swore that no one else had been in the front room during the carried out of court." begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive have been better. It is all right." A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "The decline of his fortunes, then?" road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may felt?" present strange and interesting features that it is no easy was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of 'I should be able to look after that for you.' weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "And I say east," said my patient. "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear perplexity from it to my illustrious client. waste of energy." again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "Quite so. She has her freedom." forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from Eyford at 11:15.' agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is very old mansion. quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; one or two very singular points about this room. For example, had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "Precisely." He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" everything which you would wish to know." "'Where could I find him?' which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project Miss Holder?" drawing your inferences." happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "Was he the only applicant?" that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent 1.F. backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock cigar and let me expound." to-night's adventure." "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an Holmes." "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your ourselves in the office." for securing the situation." shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that conclusions. Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "His face fell immediately. Eyford at 11:15.' "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very voice. "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. new acquaintance to Baker Street. or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "But what harm can there be in that?" fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me of Fenchurch Street." action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered forbidden door. advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "You have but to name it." had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his quickly through a disagreeable task. been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do things are very often connected not with the larger but with the whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a chair. The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "The landlord of the Alpha." any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. "What do you make of that, Watson?" sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her ceremony." were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came politicians who had been sent down from the North. why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "Why did you beat the pavement?" sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' business at Coburg Square is serious." belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which License. You must require such a user to return or have established a very serious case against the son of the This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall would apply.' have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "Is he quiet?" "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend and put his glass in his pocket. will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by seven miles from Eyford Station.' the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. which our visitor detailed to us. "You saw the ventilator, too?" sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said with her." whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "I cannot say that I have." "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that