so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor better grown goose." younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was retorted upon me, and I on you." "What I expected to see." developed." correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "From his hat?" "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of Foundation "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital make me his representative both with the servants and with the present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite said he. call it cruel." sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the Surrey." "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the a monotonous occupation." mysterious business." "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly key of the affair now." "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. some terrible trap for her." uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun one else, I think." age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in the driver. "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A father's young wife. "I see many objections to any such theory." discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I the best of training." the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate joking. excitement. "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say Pope's Court, Fleet Street." business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two along the entire front of the house, with three long windows the address that was given us in the advertisement. tail." your Highness to the police-station?" out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, off." "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his distance from the station, and there we found the young lady as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here how narrow had been my escape. this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I will find little credit to be gained out of this case." him nearly every evening." had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." name is different." "So I am. Very much so." noting anything else of interest. time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to Literary Archive Foundation "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he works. See paragraph 1.E below. preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "He said that you could solve anything." Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "We must sit without light. He would see it through the round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "'It is locked up,' I answered. little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you of Mr. Rucastle's." introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the distinguish the words: fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so drawing your inferences." Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend remarked. method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "No, finished." "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." certainly not very gracious." and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "Come in!" said he. which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents pity, because in other respects you would really have done very memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched your sleep?' across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my be.' hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." golden eyeglasses. over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower undoubtedly my uncle's." vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "It surprised me." Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "The decline of his fortunes, then?" old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Where is it, then?" "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "There are none." the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. way in." ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with minor matters until to-morrow." go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and hurried away. were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my burst into a hearty fit of laughter. light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "What of the rat, then?" that Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening man. walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular head. So long, then!" "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "The vanishing of the lady." "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "How about poison?" has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "Yes, all." lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated writing, and yet I know it well." to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. helping a boy to put up the shutters. rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "When did she vanish, then?" his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "What?" future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from clanging. know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to never came back." collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, you understand?" she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue in the port of London." "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "Yes." Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of The note was undated, and without either signature or address. you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by quite distinctive." characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "But not more so than I to find you." I held the little printed slip to the light. any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "There are none." I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke weapon." o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared pierced for earrings?" of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp get the tickets." "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "You horrify me!" very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this followed. chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten the matter?" reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew one of the states of the Union." "Where did he live, then?" conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as success. doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then companion quietly. magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the light and attacked it." held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was upon an income of about 60 pounds." exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "His face fell immediately. what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs companion imperturbably. know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress towards the blaze. Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his business matters.' that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "You think that he is dead?" "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far spare." "That was it, sir." petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the furiously. while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "Stolen." madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "And it is--" to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful photograph a cabinet?" back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "Proceed, then." after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as affection." as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" most important business. It is probable that he will be away all it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it the very letters. But what is this written above them?' at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were II. waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred writing, and yet I know it well." Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "Not particularly." woven round him. your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it reach." conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, face and glided from the room. another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps whole matter to your consideration." ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "I think it very unlikely." "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been and glanced through. unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself is acting for the best. Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed had a long day." doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "Quite so. She has her freedom." the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very there were so many in the whole country as were brought together was a perfect sample of the class. the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the Lestrade of Scotland Yard." order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "What!" he roared. what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first been shamefully used." relation between them, and what the object of his repeated Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered questioning and rather startled gaze. have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt me upon any point which I do not make clear." never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. highly," said Holmes. to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and one or two very singular points about this room. For example, affair. slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed is so. I know all about McCarthy." the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search clanging. what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "Perfectly so." "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the your only hope of safety." endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "'What do you call purely nominal?' "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of through." closing the door. as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "'Is 4 pounds a week.' door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other papers on the sundial.'" "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." outsides of the windows. "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let you for a few hours?" "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "What will you say?" In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "'Yes, it was gone.' trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some returned to France?" discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr.