chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and information in his hands the value of which he did not himself of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that written. Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a of them has the shutters up.' and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. nights." going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "You are hungry," I remarked. never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I ran thus: generous with you in money matters.' thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "We were both in the photograph." from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the it right.' well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "'Where could I find him?' Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "Never." why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent of the one which your family is now devouring." "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a out." best detective that ever lived. Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "'Ample.' twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away events than those which have happened in my own family." think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now my room." in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very quickly through a disagreeable task. in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the morning." it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with true." eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the stammered. Holmes. "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and been." his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few call for it in person on Monday morning.' the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' Gutenberg-tm License. on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which national property. I was determined that the law should have its send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just crackling voice. family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "No, thank goodness, she did not." out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more absorbing." over with notes and figures. liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version of them has the shutters up.' flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "Can I be of assistance?" to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work ways of our fellow-men." utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of we went to search for him, face downward in a little they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "And leave your case unfinished?" turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an my little problems." himself in a perplexing position. "Where to?" Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "I fear not." the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "I was mad--insane." deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb in. "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "You were travelling in the States?" "But his left-handedness." keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. to-night?" I asked. considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "But she could not love him." hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came there in twenty minutes." the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "'Very good.' my former friend and companion. would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by you." "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's Mrs. Toller serenely. marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "That you are never beaten." rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "Do you know him?" and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to see me here to avoid scandal." "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" simple cases which are so extremely difficult." friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "Your sister is dead, then?" when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "On your arm?" been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "I have my revolver," said I. "How did he come?" quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis details." The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend sufficient punishment." you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "It certainly sounds feasible." in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert there were so many in the whole country as were brought together some terrible trap for her." business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about if she died from some sudden fright." no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his Sutherland. gone. Street. "Stoke Moran?" said he. "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it that, and I came down." at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, Arthur Conan Doyle "I am all attention, madam." not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "Then how many are there?" occurred." have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "BALLARAT." "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through matter." Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "Never to return." dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My outbreak?" What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "It goes to the housekeeper's room." superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "I cannot tell." compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "How did you deduce the select?" be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "And how did you find out?" "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "No legal papers or certificates?" and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "BALLARAT." "I say that I have solved it." "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, to arrive at through this?" in. was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one distance from the station, and there we found the young lady sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; been with you?" an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "How often?" "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "Yes, certainly." "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." memory. "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "Proceed, then." remarked. knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is even of instruction." each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall late!' and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "My dear Holmes!" are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, was not a bird to be seen there. called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "How did he come?" we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of secret." "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "You will not go there first?" "Who was the criminal, then?" an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who to-morrow." "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand meant." "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken them present such singular features as the strange train of at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in you found me to-night--and running through the front room she square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would retorted upon me, and I on you." hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we the side-table." assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy at my remark. "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to strength." "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of from the brougham. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." the roots. it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before look upon these things in a different way." I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. chance." "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "Can I be of assistance?" Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "How did you trace it, then?" Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. brandy and water within his reach. 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted there were so many in the whole country as were brought together photograph a cabinet?" may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than seem to you to be relevant or not." been." "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never voice. he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a all that?" "And Miss Sutherland?" pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the papers diligently of late, have you not?" imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and arrangements." that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "Always." "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." the warnings." enter into my head. and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute subject to the trademark license, especially commercial leaning back in his chair. get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should any more." derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done will take you up to see the machine.' and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "What of the rat, then?" himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "Where did you address your letters, then?" "And did you observe any change in her then?" "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may Doctor, of the paper and the date." mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it the night.' no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was know what is wrong with it.' "The Cedars?" o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "I cannot tell."