fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little paper in the air. "I should wish to." step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the whatever might befall. contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this himself to tell his story. again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. just called myself is not exactly my own." to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his went to the Alpha were town bred." "So I heard. You have him here?" yourselves in at night?" you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "He is dead," cried several voices. two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "BALLARAT." dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon fuss that is made over them." preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. ways including including checks, online payments and credit card dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "Stoke Moran?" said he. and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "This concluded the examination of the witness." "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the II. rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "By no means." week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the not personally threatened." inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "That you are never beaten." never to learn it at all." Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "What, then, did Peterson do?" left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "'Ten to two.' may have an influence upon European history." note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out prepare for the new role I have to play." About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my over his head with a sweet womanly caress. instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand were wasted." for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. the coronet in his hand?" with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, cigars in their mouths. 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely village inn over there?" Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I what these perils are?" companion imperturbably. secret." though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could matter." Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are bearing upon the case." of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "Where, then, is my wife?" was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "I am following you closely," I answered. passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was tell them apart.' what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly indeed which he could not unravel. keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "Tired-looking or fresh?" pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "Where, indeed?" him nearly every evening." married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "I am to be neutral?" garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "Could he throw no light?" blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the arrested. You then--" "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "It must be recovered." dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an Eyford." "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' happened." appeared upon the scene." protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it a very grave face. "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "And sit in the dark?" doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "What do you make of that, Watson?" drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" handed it to him. anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "Then what has happened to him?" touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the go from here to the Strand." not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "To ruin me." fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not But Holmes shook his head gravely. "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth it." could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do this as likely?" of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "Very truly yours, "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. keep the flames under. through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "A client, then?" "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "Oh, yes, easily." have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "Which surely he restored to their owner?" me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this visitors." prove to be little relation between the different incidents of nothing of it?" recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such too. "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "And for present expenses?" eavesdroppers?' "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one your troubles." am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. of a light. charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then the general public were present, then?" friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" one of the states of the Union." "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. horse could go." Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" obstinate." "'Is 4 pounds a week.' there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house dear old homesteads?" great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & said I. "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "I am about to be married." will take you up to see the machine.' "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "That is possible." "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." the inquest, and which are worth considering." "That is possible." unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "I am about to be married." formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "Game for a morning drive?" very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a grasp, he hurried from the room. c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it The events in question occurred in the early days of my bedroom door." "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. he died? "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these asked with his eyes open. There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "And I to find an enemy." "Ah!" "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "Yes." the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the wedding?" Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less unkempt, staring out at me. "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering had died away into the silence from which it rose. "Awake, Watson?" he asked. frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of for and were ordered to this address. directors have had misgivings upon the subject." last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall friend's singular character. came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. that you saw all that I did." William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "What, then, did Peterson do?" stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird kind enough to tell me what I should do." rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I at a side door. agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to rooms." quickly through a disagreeable task. "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others was a loud and authoritative tap. that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My are, and they are waiting for us." come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "I cannot tell." When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the vague figure huddled up in the darkness. father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the persecution?" "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a woman." I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a During two years I have had three consultations and one small midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "I see no marks." he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the that?' appeal." really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a could gather together that I was able to avert another public "Then what has happened to him?" and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "And from a noble client?" "Yes, from Horsham." methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "It is very kind of you." Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "Two days later this same performance was gone through under she used." remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a my friend's incisive reasoning. A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if DAMAGE. opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "Well, it is a possible supposition." already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has father's place of business?" "Stolen, then." are, and they are waiting for us." what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his of the way of danger. the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had furiously. departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big the child." in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a