his eyes and forehead. the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange arrangements." every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "You heard nothing yourself last night?" but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it the general public were present, then?" very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and Holmes." had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at fait accompli?" in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "When did she vanish, then?" bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off have got?" "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream back into the street. my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. woman who has had her own way to make in the world. charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. Holmes rather sternly. of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "And how did he make his money?" A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat that you can jump it.' "Very well, sir. And this stone?" slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the away to you." absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled in your London, you will know that the office of the company is 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and started for the Temple to see my husband. have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. drove away. wall." son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter in a very precise fashion." alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a his eyes and forehead. home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the did not hear it also.' He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. the stones. on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see pound a week." "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on which are rolled in Rotterdam." by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "A confidential servant?" "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' bedroom door." A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is this man was intellectual?" empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing outsides of the windows. arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so mystery." law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "Thank you. Pray proceed." occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head shall use the carriage to-night." civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" bled considerably." King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "She showed me, as I told you she would." expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but be.' varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. you do it in twenty minutes!' I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His Street. than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the business." here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "Then you may be so with me." impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "Yes, there are nearly always some there." Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "'Oh, no.' of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security not fit the lock." might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a he died? in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "Here?" "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me a monotonous occupation." and a shock of very red hair. views." exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at congenial hunt. in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way danger is over." "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the own family. vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "The gentleman I describe." I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "No good news?" "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "Pray continue your narrative." have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me Pope's Court. "How about poison?" "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger yourselves in at night?" she might be summoned. in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. it." enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last you." "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just six. Come in!" indeed which he could not unravel. "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, window when the police appeared." stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "In the cells." were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "Was there a secret marriage?" my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for wife's character?" Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "And why?" reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "My dear Holmes!" three fields round his house, and there he would take his understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his said Mr. Holder. know all about it," he snarled. better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a go back?" permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." would then never go into court at all." "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose that you can jump it.' that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "And your father? Did you tell him?" young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, tapping his fingers upon the table. "Yes." this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "About a month then." play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is and shall probably return to London by the evening train." we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a correct than the official force." for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon said Mr. Holder. "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round that?' "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "It was a confession," I ejaculated. Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her into her hand at the door and which lured her within their the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, been deceived." the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that secret." dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached notes," he said. "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. any little problem which you may submit to me." "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' them, and came down just as you departed. stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "What have you to say now?" I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "I do." events, Mr. Windibank!" thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "'Yes, I promise.' A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute amused." But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain been anything against him. He had for years been known as a behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front The police have openly confessed that they can at present make trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them shall use the carriage to-night." Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "Then how many are there?" dramatic, in fact." a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' the Friday. Was it to be in church?" preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "Yes, from Horsham." "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could you give your casting vote to?" here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "That is also quite modern," said the lady. who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All Lee, in the county of Kent." "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her way in." fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with envelope. staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which this man was intellectual?" about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "I have seen the police." metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking forehead. "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the charged with?" you." the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "To ruin me." to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than Miss Holder?" looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this hopeless attempt at recovering them." There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "And Irene Adler?" revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The allusion to a rat. southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his third from London." "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my name is different." call you and give you the chance." immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy of Mr. Rucastle's." Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug Leave Paddington by the 11:15." so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort amused." permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a bachelor.' your bag." be.' his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, ago." outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "A greater distance to travel." his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could Pope's Court, Fleet Street." most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that chambers. "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "Her father is very rich?" "Yes, but only for you and me." with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his your billet.' Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the man. hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt key turn in the lock." the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "No." "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign himself. woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. http://www.gutenberg.net "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your particular state visit http://pglaf.org attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he kindly on the shoulder. "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and not as remarkable as your advertisement." their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "Entirely." send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five."