"Why, what do you mean?" "You are all wrong." smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country any little problem which you may submit to me." "'How far from the body?' phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I locked. "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "That sounds a little paradoxical." people in all walks of life. rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, helping a boy to put up the shutters. know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming was a perfect sample of the class. trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "Have you her photograph?" of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "You have the photograph?" "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that politicians who had been sent down from the North. "I will try. What is it?" "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. we went to search for him, face downward in a little old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "Yes, at the mines." Mrs. Toller serenely. "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible young Openshaw's." Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made is now desirous of getting those letters back." expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "Won't it ring?" fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman which we had just quitted. "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that ways of our fellow-men." "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I cheerful." humiliation." had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he the matter?" village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the already referred to. dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "So I am. Very much so." certainly not very gracious." honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads drove away. of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We following enigmatical notices: London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "'Ten to two.' course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured corner of the building. "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "'Yes, sir.' "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones down. but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "Witness: It was. upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "Is he quiet?" and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot not as remarkable as your advertisement." "And who is her maid?" "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." think, you have already met." for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to good for you to do.' dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "Do you know him?" police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. becomes even more simple." passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "Certainly, madam." "In answer to an advertisement." a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change to-night." "Yes, all." held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them conduct the inquiry." home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that have been better. It is all right." "She told me to ask you." the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three clanging. house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "In heaven's name, what for?" to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the This is what he says: pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "And how have you succeeded?" his knees, staring into the fire. request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other individual and becomes the badge of a society." reach." he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover should be so warm over such a trifle." "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "Not in the least." spark where all is dark to me." imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." been able to understand it, in a very few words. with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and it? Did I buy the geese off you?" It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular returned to France?" Chief Executive and Director "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot morning." possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might children over to America with him, so that I found myself without august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "Ah!" when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had read it out to me." crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "Yes." seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one national property. I was determined that the law should have its "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "Very murderous indeed." but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it of them has the shutters up.' took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is morning." registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and chance at all." lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "Do you go out much in society?" ashen face. the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see which our visitor detailed to us. have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." stalked out of the room. parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have sofa. This way, please!" fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to Surrey." this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "What will you say?" at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "Where, then, is my wife?" "From his hat?" King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. of." "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" anything to do with the matter?" "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "None. Neville wrote those words." desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could Cross for the Continent." "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which maiden herself was most instructive." "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "'Yes, sir.' the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come guilty one." "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "And that is--" and shall probably return to London by the evening train." possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the your only hope of safety." Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of she might be summoned. was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made than to us. It may be so in this case, also." they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "Yes." are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, him!" There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "Yes." long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." were wasted." on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "No, I am descending." "And help." those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained when your master had gone out." a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "Ample." however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "Then I do not see the point." "No." on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the obstinate." be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "And why?" the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I brain must have something in it." "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." the best of training." He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "How on earth--" XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "Yes, it would be as well." There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the cause to be." companion imperturbably. to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were stood on the top of it. "'A dozen yards or so.' the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the flock.' thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that past. wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out some place of shelter and let the county police know what has The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, comes from the middle window." that, and I came down." the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "I am sure." written. painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' awaited us upon the table. must be when I saw the door open.' The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the present." subject to the trademark license, especially commercial closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "I will do it." were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't troubles have been weighing upon his mind. compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one test if we have an answer to our advertisement." Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily possible that we could bring him back to her? or other trace. But how on earth--" jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could standing smiling on the door-step. emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "You horrify me!" roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable ready to-morrow?' Stoke Moran." forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." matter." to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an exactly what you advise." take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "The Coroner: What do you mean? several quiet little villages up there." headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he as the one I chose?' hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads the station." which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other His smile broadened. "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "Stoke Moran?" said he. it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." obstinate." Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "Certainly." "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy to tell." wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "And what then?" so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he hopeless attempt at recovering them." for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place there." something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some in darkness. standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen hardly wander." of Fenchurch Street." abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "I cannot think." him to go away.' association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we which should have the effect of calling the attention of the word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "'And the work?' the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "Yes." reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "And from a noble client?" object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past the loss of it. rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and