Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "Then he might have called to you?" shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "I am following you closely," I answered. suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be papers must be those that are destroyed.' or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "And it is--" "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look II. entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A with the outside air!" was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and back alive. "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "And the cigar-holder?" to-morrow." distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work footfalls from the street. of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her my special province." filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he and a shock of very red hair. himself. ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able that you wished to speak to me?' unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their business at Coburg Square is serious." saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "'I have already given you my word.' "And on what day did he meet his death?" security.' overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "Thank you. Pray proceed." again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the suspect him." the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "Very much so." agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "But who is he?" going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' maid will bring up your coffee." know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a events, Mr. Windibank!" Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your begin with, and I had not got mine yet." danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" six. Come in!" "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little friends, not even his own brother. usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "'A dozen yards or so.' years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked the matter." The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of careless servant girl?" events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call neither fascinating nor artistic." "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "That is it on the dressing-table." nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. to tackle the facts." between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "You know me, then?" have accepted such a situation. and a shock of very red hair. This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few investigation." to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, it right.' "We must have a cab." "'In my own bureau.' had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and charge against him will break down." room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been in darkness. fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "Have you it here?" from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, to-night?" I asked. society." "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "And Irene Adler?" 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "The King of Scandinavia." shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "Game for a morning drive?" "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a coroner's jury." the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered it." roused himself from his reverie. events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you like that before?" What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I returned to France?" written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I could gather together that I was able to avert another public "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a within hail.' "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous 1.E.9. "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "I should wish to." business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "An enemy?" overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: fatally injured? "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to with you?" room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was the one as in the other." my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. since then to throw any light upon what became of him." and I shall be with you presently." depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be the nursery. than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "In San Francisco, a year ago." the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has coat-tails." her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." bachelor.' the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been returning from some small jollification and was making his way of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped compunction about shooting them down." Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the just ask you whether you had heard it.' "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "But I am all in the dark." A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "No more words. Get out!" "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "No, I think that I'll take it." "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of fishes. "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah American. Then who could this American be, and why should he mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "But what is it you wish?" watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which Mary, has deserted me." note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the your billet.' "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send mystery!" "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "Not in the least." "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. joking. corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "But it has twice been burgled." "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "I will try. What is it?" "ARAT," I read. introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "It is possible." THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE The King stared at him in amazement. set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as woven round him. very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "We must have a cab." "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I me, and I could not think that his explanation of the gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and him and tried to hold him back. Edgeware Road. meant it for the best. "'Never.' "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "None. Neville wrote those words." that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." direction." "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his will be renamed. that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. events than those which have happened in my own family." behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter simple cases which are so extremely difficult." January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by mystery." "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime DAMAGE. "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To bedroom door." hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this have not had my rubber." comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it light and attacked it." chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've delighted to hear it," he said. seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger because she had spent so short a time in this country that she trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond this as likely?" The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "That is it on the dressing-table." house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of disturbance in my wife." "Get out!" said he. "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk Does that suggest anything?" License. You must require such a user to return or smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence vault. shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. singular points about the case. What did the police think of the the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here you, my dear young lady?' Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. was it brought him the coronet? "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, during that time.' had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell round and wave him away like that.' keep the flames under. fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was was not a bird to be seen there. small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and Farm upon the left." line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "Well, some hundreds of times." steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "I will get her to show me." business in the City. She little knew what. "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "And how in the world did you find them?" conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "How can you tell that?" "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. upon the sideboard." with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant for the market.' Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "But I have heard all that you have heard." "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "Why, it's a dummy," said he. who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. pity, because in other respects you would really have done very my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "No, thank goodness, she did not." to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the a suggestive one." "What! You do not mean bodies?" "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the appeared upon the scene." in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very said he. sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "Dark enough and sinister enough." no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are beyond words. "In San Francisco, a year ago." "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, have accepted such a situation. "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced and files of the old papers, following the future career of every should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or third from London." object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "Always." and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you