That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, enter Dr. Roylott's room." the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked and effective." "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the the King without delay." "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the the one as in the other." "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "'Then let me do so?' glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond should be so warm over such a trifle." "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons three fields round his house, and there he would take his the salesman. bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "On the contrary, this is the right side." "What then?" me." prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand laugh and put his lips to my ear. "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "Was your sister dressed?" hardly wander." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "Could he throw no light?" an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me call it cruel." may never be exposed to such a temptation." "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of better grown goose." month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "The murder was done with it." abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose that I can to serve you." It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "What! You do not mean bodies?" had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second most interesting one." have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "And why?" wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that what I may call a really hard day's work." knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "My private note-paper." leaning back in his chair. his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting situation." most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a gone. his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work His smile broadened. pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. little trying to do so much typewriting?" would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our some mystery and the punishment of some crime." dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "Game for a morning drive?" the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of sofa. This way, please!" flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the this poor creature." article?" "What?" had died away into the silence from which it rose. rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning out." not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean opened the door, and slipped through. Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which guilty parties." good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further that I may have something better before very many minutes are I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the Sutherland?" beg that you will break it off." over here." I leave." slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly extraordinary contortions. beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "Did you become engaged then?" found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A passage and a tap at the door. door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "'I am sure if I had known--' "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, My friend smiled. not fit the lock." The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "From his hat?" 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "Yes." "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor very peculiar words of the dying woman?" help us in this matter." presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "Stolen, then." "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, here." must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "What! Had he lost his wife?" "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." have been better. It is all right." allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "What office?" stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular along the entire front of the house, with three long windows Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where will not take me long to tell. was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch he. "Eh? What was that?" said he. from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, had died away into the silence from which it rose. "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through that you saw all that I did." before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from companion. morning." particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an case-book, which he consulted. town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "I will, Miss Turner." "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to what I may call a really hard day's work." "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the enough to aid us in our search." the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," asked with his eyes open. There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much murdered man." my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he you found me to-night--and running through the front room she opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "You think so, too?" spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They to his chemical studies. calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "I cannot imagine." "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew both be extremely obliged.' went to the Alpha were town bred." There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of had picked up in the wood. "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "Yes, certainly." anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush asked. sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But chambers. "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a indeed happy." disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the of campaign. hour." body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "Indeed! Whose, then?" "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon Project Gutenberg-tm works. "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage fluttered off among the others. animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon been shamefully used." you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which the inner apartment." a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "And what then?" characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a out of this horrible affair." lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "What do you mean?" framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled call for it in person on Monday morning.' he bowed and left the room without another word. The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you For additional contact information: call for it in person on Monday morning.' Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "My Mary? Impossible!" dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "But his left-handedness." nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "I fear not." seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in emerged. my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred Leadenhall Street--and--" In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." with the outside air!" common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads get her out of the way." in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle already referred to. facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its pierced for earrings?" "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, Does that suggest anything?" colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against be.' Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have article?" the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "Did you become engaged then?" immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' suddenly upon us." tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "'Quite sure, dad.' meanly of me." coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I later, upon the night of May 2nd." seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by as this. Pray let me have the details." familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is sound at heart." attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At my room." the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to standing smiling on the door-step. it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been are, and they are waiting for us." "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but business at Coburg Square is serious." floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the train.' very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices and laid it on the table. know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two Foundation weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second intrusion of other matters." second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "Nothing?" burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while one or two very singular points about this room. For example, days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the the general public were present, then?" I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first whatever might befall. without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely father's young wife. to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but likely to be some crony of the landlady's." I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past that there was nothing in it, after all." waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "One of the highest in England." valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, appeal." thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is