came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there beg that you will break it off." "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than was already answered. entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my secret." "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend passage and a tap at the door. Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it I was concerned in it." brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but walking." for and were ordered to this address. this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to there!' the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. at my remark. severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "My dear Holmes!" card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "So I heard. You have him here?" hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "About a month then." naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "And is that all?" during which he might have communicated with his friend the indeed which he could not unravel. "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see keep the flames under. "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the noise which awoke you from your sleep?" In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a fact, we may call it conclusive." stood on the top of it. just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, himself in a perplexing position. which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental read it out to me." may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "Because he was handy and would come cheap." Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of 11:15.' I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "How did you deduce the select?" appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "I was mad--insane." envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through in his power. he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and fire. You quite follow me?" hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the instituted." elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out for and were ordered to this address. comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to respectable self." fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at danger is over." something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "Never." "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. things are very often connected not with the larger but with the our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue woman who has had her own way to make in the world. never to learn it at all." "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. as he folded up the epistle. "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "Yes." Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms October 9, 1890. him to be an active member of the medical profession." "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "At what time?" "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "'And the work?' "'As governess?' seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could unclasping of his long thin hands. is entirely a question of barometric pressure." when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her works. See paragraph 1.E below. Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast fattened it expressly for you.' c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "I don't believe it." looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of not, dad?" she asked. information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "No." hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that disappearance of these gems?" dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "When did it break out?" "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we Have you good authority for what you say?" touch that coronet?' carried out of court." puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "No more words. Get out!" records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and asked with his eyes open. well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "Of Friday, June 19th." but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness your bag." "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the Holmes' face clouded over. 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything a few minutes he said that it would be all right. by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they have got?" and it need not interfere very much with one's other "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George lumber-room." gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have interested in these little problems, and since you are good everything which you would wish to know." "But how?" speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "Thank you. Pray proceed." occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a nice household for a young lady." You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very that, and I came down." few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "That is it on the dressing-table." a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "Texas, I think." and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those crime. pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "Pray continue your narrative." before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the thirty. "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so fishes. what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "How did that help you?" "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "Very well, sir. And this stone?" brandy and water within his reach. that?' you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it several quiet little villages up there." "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "I am following you closely," I answered. blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has chair. "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. which it had come upon my father." permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or Watson," he said cordially. some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was at a side door. hour?' have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "'Which dealer's?' "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you you." the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I disappearance of these gems?" "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out answer." in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "Now, then, what's the last entry?" was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never ashen face. an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "It is true that I have been generally successful." 1.F. Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate trying to your nerves." home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "And that is--" convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we until night should bring an explanation. "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "Can I be of assistance?" Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "Can I be of assistance?" hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "He is dead," cried several voices. really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in felt?" Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest were unconscious?" do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and the inquest, and which are worth considering." tied." little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble third from London." the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "'You cannot say what it was?' typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "Nearly eleven." to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg bachelor.' from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a unkempt, staring out at me. He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known sooner or later she must fall a victim. corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply you came in." is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of ordinary clothes on?" charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "Why did you pick him?" basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner the King without delay." "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "I came to find a friend." "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "You have but to name it." the nursery. had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. of receipt of the work. a room. "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such you." "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, people in all walks of life. was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and eavesdroppers?' notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel bell. Holmes whistled. glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as Project Gutenberg-tm works. "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those noise which awoke you from your sleep?" compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "'I am sure that I do not know.' not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but DAMAGE. black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of following enigmatical notices: vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the entirely lost his self-respect." minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "Which are?" the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in you give your casting vote to?" thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who come either from the window or the door. My attention was ways of our fellow-men." always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "To the police?" "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' upon the shelf for the interim." you for a few hours?" said I. dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only The police have openly confessed that they can at present make dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at late." "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles charge against him will break down." from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed pierced for earrings?" humiliation." instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much sake, don't!" expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom hurried by. safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to when you have done it." "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking good-night and bustled off upon her way. "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined goes." IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "In heaven's name, what for?" "Yes, sir." You can understand that this register and diary may implicate over his head with a sweet womanly caress. will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "Then the page we have seen--" passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "Well." twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It my former friend and companion.