the so-precious time, but come!' "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' the roots. "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not over here." "It was a confession," I ejaculated. of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in this Miss Turner." sake, don't!" ashen face. "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "Do you go out much in society?" and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were interests were the same as his." helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had to-night?" I asked. "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "I came to find a friend." would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, status with the IRS. traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper you." years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "But the mystery?" think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "'Yes, I promise.' outside. walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, room?" "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning with the outside air!" greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "One?" "And how did you find out?" to arrive at through this?" writers could invent nothing more crude." electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way villagers almost as much as their master. could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City other means.' "Well, but China?" your most interesting statement." A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "I think it very unlikely." "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "What, then?" gbnewby@pglaf.org family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. it were putty." tell me that you intended to go into harness." self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in murdered man." "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in said he at last. room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, lids now and glanced across at his visitor. my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his man. particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, words came to my lips. massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "What then?" in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "I shall most certainly do so." jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who looking up at the numbers of the houses." whatever might befall. before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the Young McCarthy must be got off, however." man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "And on what day did he meet his death?" License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend of note-paper. It read in this fashion: her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. this truth that in these little records of our cases which you Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could locked." without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough distance from the station, and there we found the young lady little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back main points of my analysis." on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to Mary, has deserted me." "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "What then?" "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, are windows in it, of course?" cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "He might." staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, she to prove their authenticity?" "But what will you do?" little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but to a light-house. Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a a good hundred miles off by now." estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "'Then let me do so?' was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "In what way?" asked Holmes. first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "I would pay ten." had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss all that?" "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of his knees, staring into the fire. and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I within hail.' approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the matters immensely." "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name the matter." Holmes' face clouded over. success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are individual and becomes the badge of a society." him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "You have carte blanche." upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his conduct the inquiry." even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced before the coroner and the police-court." an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow and it need not interfere very much with one's other spark where all is dark to me." shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, call the police, let the police find what they can.' "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided opportunities to fix the problem. upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage charged with?" I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. official police." coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "Not I." in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "None." heavily into it. reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a answer." them present such singular features as the strange train of my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not pierced for earrings?" very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "Ten will be early enough." to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider have one." smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "'Certainly not.' "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "It was an hour's good drive." not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "Stolen." Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "My Mary? Impossible!" from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon little trying to do so much typewriting?" "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." highly," said Holmes. nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in peculiar to him. "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "That you are never beaten." over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. enough to aid us in our search." of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned acted in my house last night?" am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I man. this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" breakfast and whispered something to her husband. foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked You want to know what became of those geese?" It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "And you can do nothing until then?" blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge as he folded up the epistle. "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and opened the door, and slipped through. bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "'About the same.' woven round him. and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your in his hands." "Thank you. And your address?" "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "Who by?" upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "That is easily got." advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my furiously. Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "None." my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "But I have heard all that you have heard." me have 200 pounds?' "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the James Windibank. Voilà tout!" golden eyeglasses. the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "Yes?" of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but The summons was a brief and urgent one. Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have with some details as to your case." and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters likely to be some crony of the landlady's." member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming remarked. "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son the warnings." misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you gives a meaning to it." the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from noise which awoke you from your sleep?" streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It colour had been driven from his face. play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was to talk it over. so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "No good news?" "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew because she had spent so short a time in this country that she this Miss Turner." "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. a suggestive one." country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being husband's writing, madam." form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "Yes, at the mines." Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' me. where she found matters as described by the last witness. shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has it? Did I buy the geese off you?" starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "And help." "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is writer." "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "You have the photograph?" from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "I think it very unlikely." she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "Yes." rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is grasp, he hurried from the room. "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" felt the room to be a little close.' actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "May I see it?" latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "Murdered?" the side-table." "Quite so. She has her freedom." the roots. step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "None." would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting up this clue while it is still hot." an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that generous with you in money matters.' yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "But how?" after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, use an arc-and-compass breastpin." and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as hardly wander." his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you burst out into a roar of laughter. would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." presented more singular features than that which was associated Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "But it has twice been burgled." informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not him." "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the III. have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" showing my impatience. felt?" active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "Not in the least." Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "I see many objections to any such theory." would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "Look there!" said he. "Thank you. Pray proceed." are, and they are waiting for us." bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "The landlord of the Alpha." "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I