in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little his face. in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with is acting for the best. of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "I was certainly surprised to find you there." down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "No good news?" half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been even so self-evident a thing as that." my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I Have you good authority for what you say?" matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The fuss that is made over them." electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out all?" "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp what is your own theory as to what took place?" "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "Yes." Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "Yes." fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. paper in the air. Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our out of this horrible affair." my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "I cannot as yet see any connection." confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of Lee, in the county of Kent." There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "That is easily got." "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the I held the little printed slip to the light. "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "Here?" I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, better in every way that they should make their position a little through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate wall." counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with was it brought him the coronet? short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that strong and stiff." in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "She walked into the breakfast-room." believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an yourselves in at night?" The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that client, rising. presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "What can it mean?" I gasped. forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have upon the shelf for the interim." "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "No, I am descending." this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "I cannot as yet see any connection." hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been get her out of the way." "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "And help." "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." hardly wander." prepare for the new role I have to play." for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is girl said." "Yes, I have one waiting." "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "But his lameness?" we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had believe that I should never have any practice at all. There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he Holmes' room. about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at in his power. few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "And now?" He raised his hand. her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about there were so many in the whole country as were brought together be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis arrangements." who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the gone. still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the read over the extraordinary announcement. and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed Again Holmes raved in the air. that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "One of his hands." it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner to take care of herself." the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "Just look it up, then." come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" will take you up to see the machine.' should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong upon a handsome competence. the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads ready to-morrow?' "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the him, that man would not have given me such complete information generous with you in money matters.' he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key lips." "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "Texas, I think." hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "Where, then, is my wife?" King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" must compliment you." to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "He is still with you, I presume?" present." attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, was lame." without success. At last the little money which I had saved began could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. if only as a check to my own memory." course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But she to prove their authenticity?" Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you in a very precise fashion." "Not social, then?" job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "I will not look." "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, place no limit on the sum I may draw." what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of she might be summoned. London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little had formerly been in part my own. naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "Can I be of assistance?" preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "What will you say?" brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of may never be exposed to such a temptation." "Certainly." leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "'What, the red-headed man?' "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them once more. Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. conceal it?" following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the ventilator." "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to memory. of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "I have come for advice." "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual new duties?' "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from remarked. sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it public press." elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small a suggestive one." accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "'Yes, sir.' begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to woven round him. he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "Was the window open?" "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "Certainly, madam." The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from man. I know him from the photograph." once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "You are certainly joking, Holmes." have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "In which, sir?" 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, their singular warning or token before them when starting upon the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You The summons was a brief and urgent one. with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many photograph a cabinet?" infinite languor in his face. "Her father is very rich?" would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "Well, it is a possible supposition." stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband my former friend and companion. into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of test if we have an answer to our advertisement." usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a see me here to avoid scandal." "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "'Yes, it was gone.' explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, amused." the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "Yes, the wine-cellar." has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel is now desirous of getting those letters back." "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" not fit the lock." would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to writer." permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are question," said Holmes, smiling. test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "Well, some hundreds of times." the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "And why?" with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "Then I do not see the point." about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily him to be an active member of the medical profession." prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an I am not easy in my mind about them." heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales voice. He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any before, for it was considerably after midnight. "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our the best of training." "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he some water from a caraffe. makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a there were so many in the whole country as were brought together lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while than to us. anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than to his chemical studies. imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "It is possible." "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "Where, indeed?" late." "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "Quite so. She has her freedom." is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "I would give my fortune to have them back." Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our know that the truth is known." that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice whole matter to your consideration." "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon perplexity from it to my illustrious client. saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "To an English lawyer named Norton." that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some