the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when the driver. "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I outside." Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, Heh?' "I cannot as yet see any connection." I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "Precisely." Pope's Court, Fleet Street." for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. hard-headed British jury." merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "Awake, Watson?" he asked. became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you telegram would bring me down to your help." "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "What do you mean?" with you?" livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your Lestrade of Scotland Yard." always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, would apply.' however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "I say that I have solved it." "I don't say that. Perhaps." rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent pierced for earrings?" he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up papers on the sundial.'" answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one true." "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my vault. see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an question," said Holmes, smiling. words came to my lips. abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been the address that was given us in the advertisement. "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "You heard nothing yourself last night?" we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What stepfather?" "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "Yes, there are nearly always some there." puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "Then I can wait in the next room." drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "No good news?" evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a to-night." "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" Does that suggest anything?" morning." "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "My private note-paper." skylight. how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "I think that it is very probable." stalked out of the room. general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were charged with?" the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "What! a murderous attack?" "The rest you will leave in our hands." fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "Yes, from Horsham." adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his answered with a sidelong glance. to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that page at http://pglaf.org the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming business." "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace this remarkable episode. we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make The note was undated, and without either signature or address. carpenter." particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. subject to the trademark license, especially commercial Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how see me here to avoid scandal." Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt I. believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses the Red-headed League." and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if to have that photograph." "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "It goes to the housekeeper's room." Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "Yes, at the mines." wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I his wife has ceased to love him." "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled attention." passage and a tap at the door. "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of to a light-house. "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you child?' you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "Absolutely?" me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "Not yet." from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed once more. had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "'And what are they worth?' I asked. of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I been with you?" "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece tied." for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I ashen face. be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a test if we have an answer to our advertisement." and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from the inquest, and which are worth considering." should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the friends, not even his own brother. Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. business matters.' vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady in the dead of the night?' spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "Yes." His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have guilty one." lids now and glanced across at his visitor. your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. became a certainty. It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, prisoner's face. a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," his forehead." focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "Yes, all." together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "In answer to an advertisement." Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "But not more so than I to find you." "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, that, and I came down." vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The without a word or a look. was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and quickly through a disagreeable task. "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "Did you become engaged then?" it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB Serpentine Avenue. this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "There are none." commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "When did she vanish, then?" but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land appeal." may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to to-night's adventure." Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. know that the truth is known." do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the footfalls from the street. visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the man. we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "Certainly, madam." year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and villagers almost as much as their master. me have 200 pounds?' "He is dead," cried several voices. betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "You forget that I know nothing about it." were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "Here?" pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "I see many objections to any such theory." at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "Which surely he restored to their owner?" every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase one else, I think." a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same Mary, has deserted me." "Is he quiet?" nonsense.' quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, deduce something from that?" without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an Where does the thing come from?' wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." be. done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "Why did you beat the pavement?" could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round God! What an exposure! What can I do?" I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "Nothing." were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the purpose of examination. disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first used to be." do." the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "'Why that?' I asks. will be renamed. conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "About a month then." "Her father is very rich?" to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an she might be summoned. "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in has little to do with my story." it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very occurred." question you as to those details which seem to me to be most no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "'Certainly not. But why?' "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "I am sure." to-night." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I colonel looking down at me. having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." key turn in the lock." back alive. the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the window when the police appeared." would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, Holmes. took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day made him keep the appointment." is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your whether it answered to the description of any of their of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "We must have a cab." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "You horrify me!" "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked certainly do as you advise." ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper just ask you whether you had heard it.' on in his house." "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property which are rolled in Rotterdam." Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast never to learn it at all." glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short up this clue while it is still hot." ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, 'I should be able to look after that for you.' and looked back. Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "And what then?" Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments infinite languor in his face. "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most