servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. main points of my analysis." "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." and laid it on the table. which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "It is very kind of you." gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "One of the highest in England." twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every maiden herself was most instructive." anything to a woman, for she would have her way." were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him the window, rose as we entered. aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "How do you know, then?" I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan never came back." the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no nonsense.' "It was a confession," I ejaculated. incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are to Leatherhead. word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little imbecility!" he cried. next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that Dr. Gregory B. Newby it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "None." "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "But who is he?" to change my dress. "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "What can you not understand?" A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the present." "No, thank goodness, she did not." "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "I should like to see him very much." "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "Why serious?" It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I had picked up in the wood. the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "That's no good." "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "Breckinridge is his name." "I don't say that. Perhaps." autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose envelope. calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "Imitated." was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. the coronet in his hand?" extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with during which he might have communicated with his friend the clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room your bag." next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the away in different directions, and I went off to make my own which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran your bag." did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" weapon." superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it father's young wife. standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." the side-table." business?" Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "And the cigar-holder?" SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any mystery!" "I assure you that I am in your hands." "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is friend's singular character. "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "But we can't all be." pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "In which, sir?" out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my grasp, he hurried from the room. handed it to him. "Pray be precise as to details," said he. which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the walking." exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and suddenly upon us." the coronet at all injured?" with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his tightly behind him. laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical place of silver." received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his with some details as to your case." "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late drawing your inferences." more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to heavily into it. I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was murdered man." "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. without a word or a look. I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "'In my own bureau.' here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn our word." "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came reach." question you as to those details which seem to me to be most ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded call for it in person on Monday morning.' "Very truly yours, The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had introspective fashion. He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we This is what he says: remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had what is your own theory as to what took place?" "I promise," said Holmes. The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "'About the same.' the one as in the other." "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had photograph a cabinet?" "I think that it is very probable." this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "Yes. He waved his hands." and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "If I can be of use." himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "'Most admirably.' word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he grasp, he hurried from the room. "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "The murder was done with it." read it out to me." been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. tell them apart.' His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "It is to him that this trophy belongs." half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the them present such singular features as the strange train of some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my union?" "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper ways of our fellow-men." of a light. of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, and I shall be with you presently." classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year forecastle of an emigrant ship. "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after she to prove their authenticity?" "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an back to my heart. would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with lost his Christmas dinner." 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would woven round him. the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "But it has twice been burgled." Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand my friend's incisive reasoning. "You are certainly joking, Holmes." not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "Then what has happened to him?" separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, fluttered off among the others. Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "In answer to an advertisement." "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "No more words. Get out!" "'Yes, it was gone.' "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her believe that I should never have any practice at all. my special province." test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "Not in a good cause." "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "We have tried and failed." between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had arrested. You then--" approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "You horrify me!" upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since like that before?" together. the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "No, I had a dozen." "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the floor. everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As breakfast?" matter over." springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for way in everything. one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself whole matter to your consideration." quickly through a disagreeable task. certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the eavesdroppers?' better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "We were both in the photograph." the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "When did it break out?" "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce bird I ate is country bred." which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry sofa. This way, please!" Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue to that open window." Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "Not social, then?" sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "No, I had a dozen." With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "What then?" "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should indeed happy." bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in spare." that you wished to speak to me?' his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "Yes." The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs later, upon the night of May 2nd." after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will morning." "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was enter into my head. IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of my little problems." done what I asked you, Jones?" http://gutenberg.net/license). child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "Have you her photograph?" "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and without success. At last the little money which I had saved began aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "Ah!" Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. this Miss Turner." of the one which your family is now devouring." but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the this Miss Turner." "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "Pray do so."