compunction about shooting them down." of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security in my life." of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever fuss that is made over them." which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said the loss of it. "But I have heard all that you have heard." true." the ceiling. as noiselessly as she had come. "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here his cane at the bell-pull. so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, yards of it?' glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us me where it went to?" harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece bearing upon the case." "Yes, I have one waiting." companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which flock.' and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, works. See paragraph 1.E below. paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let trying to your nerves." form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were unprecedented a position." "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, had no one to advise her at such a crisis." Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. never came back." in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "You will not go there first?" number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able row." Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers chambers. place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case he. son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. client, rising. alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now Countess of Morcar's?" experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "Where did you address your letters, then?" fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning returning from some small jollification and was making his way roused himself from his reverie. been lifted and conveyed somewhere." It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. any little problem which you may submit to me." the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more question you as to those details which seem to me to be most I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, perplexity from it to my illustrious client. minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "Certainly." name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "None." cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "Dark enough and sinister enough." "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the lips." compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, upon the sideboard." fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. upon the white wrist. the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his ashen face. "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "I beg pardon." man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "Was there a secret marriage?" IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But done what I asked you, Jones?" suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the in my life." "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my whatever might befall. "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, them, and came down just as you departed. "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic come either from the window or the door. My attention was "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." place no limit on the sum I may draw." "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "None. Neville wrote those words." heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his friend's singular character. black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "Yes, that is the Crown." yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "Precisely." or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "What then?" again on its way. bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to was a perfect sample of the class. train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The said he at last. not within a twentieth part of the market price." very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "No, I think that I'll take it." preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a always that they were such commands as a lady might with time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn was a perfect sample of the class. "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied which should have the effect of calling the attention of the stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "It was an hour's good drive." "An enemy?" The summons was a brief and urgent one. "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good maiden herself was most instructive." lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been matter over." when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "And on what day did he meet his death?" of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "I have my revolver," said I. provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "'I am sure if I had known--' "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any so far?" A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "No." and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed on in his house." of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you trying to your nerves." at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I to tackle the facts." We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we been deceived." present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know whole matter to your consideration." "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking south, for the country is more deserted there." broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "And your mother is alive?" old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "'Oh, no.' which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "Yes." heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this Project Gutenberg-tm works. "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. throat." Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one James Windibank. Voilà tout!" rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "He might." woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to people don't know." "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass his face which made him a very different person to the round, "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, highroad, where all traces were lost. lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "What then?" in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in will not take me long to tell. "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "Yes." "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the companion. fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "What of the rat, then?" address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black some city in a dream. just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "I will, Miss Turner." I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and chance." "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do happened." he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "Precisely." great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and Chief Executive and Director "Her father is very rich?" success. seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" better in every way that they should make their position a little in the hope of finding them." journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than hard-headed British jury." "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing American. Then who could this American be, and why should he important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "And leave your case unfinished?" precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "Game for a morning drive?" "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel look upon these things in a different way." eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with at home. is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to that I can to serve you." information in his hands the value of which he did not himself office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "What?" she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until you came in." Pope's Court, Fleet Street." statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing other lovers by making love himself." dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "I answered that I had not. "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "'Most admirably.' Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "You heard nothing yourself last night?" things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax anything to a woman, for she would have her way." information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the there is a decided draught." convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found upon the shelf for the interim." like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "Ah, but I was recommended to you." unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "Of what day?" I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "Was she in good spirits?" that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "This photograph!" Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue himself. corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "It missed him, then?" from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel chance." subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to speckled band?" very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the was a perfect sample of the class. in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "Yes, from Horsham." and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from Street. fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. that I may have something better before very many minutes are that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided certainly not very gracious." I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, straighten it?" but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start vanished into the darkness. connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, for the market.' with you?" individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are been deceived." "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "I see many objections to any such theory." Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, asked with his eyes open. the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with present." from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what to tell." cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At think you a quite exceptional woman." "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down some place of shelter and let the county police know what has find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to