upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the to have been novel and of interest." "What I expected to see." "It must be recovered." "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous his fortune, and I went back to pa. the driver. music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid hour?' next day. during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to it? Did I buy the geese off you?" laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "Very much so." was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up charge against him will break down." rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "But she could not love him." object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up sentimental considerations in the background which would induce round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." know all about it," he snarled. aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature leave you to your papers for a little." "I am to be neutral?" woman who has had her own way to make in the world. were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut and that he would see to anything that turned up. has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass could not account in any way for the presence of the missing has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "Thank you. And your address?" his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "And I say east," said my patient. "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, interest. They are important, you understand, without being the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a arrested. You then--" Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for conversation I have gathered that they have been married about speckled band?" little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your flock.' "This photograph!" could go. have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it compunction about shooting them down." "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage someone who had been in Australia." look dissatisfied." few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you success. Lee, in the county of Kent." chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "I cannot as yet see any connection." "To an end?" time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal absorbing." valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, whereabouts. right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "My Mary? Impossible!" process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that them, and came down just as you departed. The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to maid will bring up your coffee." It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "Yes?" my little problems." dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "Yes?" "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting Pope's Court, Fleet Street." The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my into her hand at the door and which lured her within their beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My south, for the country is more deserted there." Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money corner of the building. this Miss Turner." Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "To an English lawyer named Norton." "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his that he will be back before evening." before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was to a more successful conclusion." before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't would apply.' should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "Then you may be so with me." asked. out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so yards of it?' than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were Surrey." characteristics, but those are the more obvious." lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "That is unusual in a young girl." Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "Nothing." there has been an enclosure here!" more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the to tackle the facts." Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the a good hundred miles off by now." into the room. house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "To ruin me." the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that yourselves in at night?" conduct the inquiry." the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in unkempt, staring out at me. other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "No, I am descending." vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I passage and a tap at the door. "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis maiden herself was most instructive." received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned closing the door. other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between late!' unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which call you and give you the chance." sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "Here?" "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "But to whom?" going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just said I. office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "Could he throw no light?" I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "I came to find a friend." few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "No, but the enclosure is." And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "Yes." He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once tassel actually lying upon the pillow. smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" our word." key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "But the mystery?" coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the out." at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, for its centre. and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. in. "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the to tell." from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest certainly not very gracious." Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic thin legs towards the fire. banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. an introduction to him?" would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the hour." "Not in a good cause." to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs started for the Temple to see my husband. to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she fishes. in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows front of the hall door has given its name to the place. exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, respectable self." do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "Can I be of assistance?" Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of been anything against him. He had for years been known as a They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a posted to-day." "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a later, upon the night of May 2nd." "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the man. "Where is it, then?" though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." lumber-room." police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" you." dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" said he, "my real name is James Ryder." Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "Then I do not see the point." deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is in this way: "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "No." other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" carpenter." "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "How did you deduce the select?" should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from least a fellow-countryman. "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. was a lad." and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "Pray do so." Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a system of imprisonment?" the Assizes." quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is posted to-day." advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. invisible to me," I remarked. words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly very peculiar words of the dying woman?" became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to business?" like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be you give your casting vote to?" "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "Yes." age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "Precisely." the devil!" about. note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "Oh, yes, easily." "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, and the whole place is in a blaze." ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "One?" others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to outside." suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the detained." "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his you came in." "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to washing it down with a long draught of water. "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "One of his hands." when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "It surprised me." however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer instituted." qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter occupations.' his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid been able to understand it, in a very few words. "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to carpenter." "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an security.' families. Now for the facts. "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" digesting their breakfasts at home." his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "Yes." strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There already referred to. to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "Dr. Becher's." dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "I will do it." "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "What of the rat, then?" "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent hand, madam?" "And from a noble client?" returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be was the fact that his father should, according to his account, the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich was a lad." prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem and have this put in the evening papers." "Yes." of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident