"The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "But you have hopes?" "Not in the least." "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both interest. They are important, you understand, without being sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are photograph?" London for the present?" purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me Holmes' face clouded over. opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the to surprise her." "The Cedars?" side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a tied." "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "But I have heard all that you have heard." I nodded to show that I had heard. tied." and laid it on the table. "'Never,' said I. "Never." waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered habit of advancing money.' "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of it right.' mysterious business." step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly legal crime." outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that will be renamed. outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one have been better. It is all right." one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "Yes, there are nearly always some there." Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner some water from a caraffe. hand, madam?" instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or at once, for I have only half an hour." said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote garden below. "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out promised to bring home. "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should conduct the inquiry." "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon that?' guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "VIOLET HUNTER." B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, and the whole place is in a blaze." dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "Nothing." pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common Mary, has deserted me." left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he and laid it on the table. who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was the iron safe, which he closed upon it. be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the chamber." heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and standing smiling on the door-step. "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the out of this horrible affair." "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." the side-table." "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer my special province." fasten all the windows?" completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his bedroom door." settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is round with crates and massive boxes. strong and stiff." rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." the general public were present, then?" despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "Yes, certainly." "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a orange pips. morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "I cannot say that I have." "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "Thank you. Pray proceed." baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a seven miles from Eyford Station.' understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age fattened it expressly for you.' heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened depend upon my doing so.' "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making coat-tails." 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "What!" he roared. half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She to arrive at through this?" until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "It is very kind of you." "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his 'please.'" pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "She showed me, as I told you she would." which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman get the tickets." which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the to affect your life." a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of breakfast?" ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the very peculiar words of the dying woman?" it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I Sutherland. and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the call for it in person on Monday morning.' long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as completely overtopped every other consideration that we both Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, ordinary clothes on?" "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very from the brougham. a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no over with notes and figures. my room." sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A touch that coronet?' interests were the same as his." "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "That also I could fathom." "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "Perfectly so." what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid you?" superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "May I see it?" "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, fait accompli?" buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof appeal." "And from a noble client?" entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is despair." at once, for I have only half an hour." know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a suggested at once that there must be a communication between the the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "Absolutely?" I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my Count Von Kramm." opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story do.' "'Ten to two.' that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done forbidden door. correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "About a month then." electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without never came back." The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, as this. Pray let me have the details." "'I have heard so.' an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB said I. "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." face and glided from the room. "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, light and attacked it." was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "To an English lawyer named Norton." age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "Yes, he did." slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it pictures, libraries, or plate. at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age was lame." we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at at my own good fortune. to-night?" I asked. "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such what do you think they found in the pockets?" the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get never will be, entirely cleared up. those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "My own seal." "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same of your young ladies.' jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a Foundation About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. back alive. there were one or two details which were new to me. But the Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "I cannot imagine." Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed you?' daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "And your father? Did you tell him?" my friend's incisive reasoning. charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the God! What an exposure! What can I do?" wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done floor. the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at late!' thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "'No, I know no one in these parts.' of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "Will you bet, then?" had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the affair. been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But crackling voice. "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which an introduction to him?" "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax most interesting one." I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "But she will refuse." Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "My last client of the sort was a king." "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young where Mr. Fordham shows you.' the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been most interesting one." apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow individual and becomes the badge of a society." forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "But she could not love him." The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no was used.' home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold would then never go into court at all." "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. that you wished to speak to me?' married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which to some other building. started for the Temple to see my husband. "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "'Quite sure, dad.' a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself infinite languor in his face. Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "Nearly eleven." this as likely?" the armchair which I pushed forward for him. in my life." newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, had died away into the silence from which it rose. and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout looking up at the numbers of the houses." it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "Nothing." very morning of my second wedding." But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in have not had my rubber." might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so away in different directions, and I went off to make my own dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove child?' room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in father's place of business?" centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite of note-paper. It read in this fashion: unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "Certainly." Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the upon the white wrist. as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "An enemy?" Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "10th. John Swain cleared. imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole,