smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of a good hundred miles off by now." complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then them present such singular features as the strange train of his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "I was certainly surprised to find you there." for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is chambers. walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "'Where to?' passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark closing the door. Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "Here?" I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was charge against him will break down." year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this ourselves in the office." was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of case before our client came into the room." "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from "Yes." police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social exactly what you advise." Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your me where it went to?" coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "'Not at all. I only doubt--' downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you train.' inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "Nothing." he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "How do you know, then?" 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without one which it was hard to resist. clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather ways of our fellow-men." between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. felt?" high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." not interfere, come what may. You understand?" and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to opportunities to fix the problem. was not a bird to be seen there. corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat round and wave him away like that.' shaken than I had ever seen him. house for five minutes.' test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of could gather together that I was able to avert another public Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a fatally injured? The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers business matters.' Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "No, I am descending." the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for ordinary clothes on?" enough to aid us in our search." in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. the bed, and you in that chair." comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? the iron safe, which he closed upon it. national property. I was determined that the law should have its which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "And did you observe any change in her then?" to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever without a word or a look. "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in affair. made him keep the appointment." state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal Countess of Morcar's?" of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "My own seal." was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said point in the dark hollow of his hand. "A greater distance to travel." taking in every detail of the apartment. that before taking the final step I should like to submit the to me. I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square once more on the important position which you have been fortunate (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." strong reason behind." extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "9th. McCauley cleared. he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly upon the shelf for the interim." "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little know all about it," he snarled. We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into ago." room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that the driver. began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "In which, sir?" paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and clang of the bell. "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "He said too much." The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "Has he come with you to-night?" inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have is so. I know all about McCarthy." "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, most interesting one." the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch the date of his supposed suicide." Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. photograph?" Holmes' room. Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "How did he come?" "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce Arthur Conan Doyle compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." go from here to the Strand." distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "Very murderous indeed." "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. shaken than I had ever seen him. the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an his forehead." form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened him." threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think with you?" think that any burglar could have done. until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "It must be recovered." it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand a suggestive one." definite end. He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I light and attacked it." had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down vague figure huddled up in the darkness. some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "Then how many are there?" was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his me what he had done with the three missing stones. "It is very clear." introspective fashion. informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "I am to be neutral?" "Yes." on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp until night should bring an explanation. into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed tell me that you intended to go into harness." "Thank you. And your address?" beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was over here." "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if noble correspondent could be. along the entire front of the house, with three long windows change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between me, and I could not think that his explanation of the adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little of." chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "I am armed." mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless horse could go." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows against a man in the prime of life?" own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, of campaign. afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional too. "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to off." he. transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "'About the same.' And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "This concluded the examination of the witness." "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It colour had been driven from his face. bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "I was afraid that you were engaged." His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "Where is it, then?" property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with once more for Briony Lodge. made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an are, and they are waiting for us." air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion call it cruel." "'Stolen!' he cried. "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon the Assizes." "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the room had already been engaged for us. safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came second." "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "Yes." keep the flames under. "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, guilty one." "VIOLET HUNTER." had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else enter Dr. Roylott's room." Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "Upon what point?" photograph?" a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in him!" "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "One of his hands." by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "You'll never persuade me to believe that." Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "It is very clear." building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than this Miss Turner." "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "Witness: Nothing definite. that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at for its centre. Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is subject to the trademark license, especially commercial the coroner come to?" detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, to miss it." during which he might have communicated with his friend the possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "Absolutely none." of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will do.' bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "Nearly eleven." Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "I will not look." It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), she might be summoned. fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "In answer to an advertisement." logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been ill-usage at the hands of fortune. was lame." formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "No, I think that I'll take it." that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the directors have had misgivings upon the subject." comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love train from Paddington which would bring you there at about the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "Thank you. And your address?" this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to of your young ladies.' "I beg pardon." room had already been engaged for us. "'You doubt its value?' he asked. in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, and I shall be with you presently." skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with shadow pass over his face as I spoke. had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by at home. And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "Not I." pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by business matters.' "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin deduce something from that?" and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the hands. He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, direction." eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "It is his hat." ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his of Fenchurch Street." nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "Certainly." still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took standing smiling on the door-step. "Thank you. And your address?" abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as are, and they are waiting for us." sofa. This way, please!" firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low