sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I to you." have accepted such a situation. to-morrow." to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "Yes, I have one waiting." lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "None. Neville wrote those words." "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent six. Come in!" is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how shag which I had seen upon the previous night. shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as public press." and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to once more to my work. permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, it." whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as tell me that you intended to go into harness." I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the in his power. "Tired-looking or fresh?" pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long enough to aid us in our search." defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "Ten will be early enough." "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "But his lameness?" beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "Very much so." "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it not within a twentieth part of the market price." could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same the salesman. transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, noting anything else of interest. wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much with some details as to your case." glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to is a common subject for conversation. the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in License. You must require such a user to return or "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce way in." moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. do you make of it all?" "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I more solid." is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own taking in every detail of the apartment. "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "And how did you find out?" any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "Certainly." its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed writers could invent nothing more crude." and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: must be when I saw the door open.' to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the you?" credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too acted in my house last night?" size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "'How far from the body?' o'clock is it?" "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know of the way of danger. been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away This is what he says: his wife has ceased to love him." passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" correct than the official force." upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "Precisely." assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "It is very clear." during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which occurred." should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, retorted upon me, and I on you." wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "My stepfather's business papers." which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The may never be exposed to such a temptation." matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with note?" fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "I have seen the police." lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I was lame." the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. 11:15.' Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "That's no good." years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive three of the beryls in it, was missing. "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "And you can do nothing until then?" There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "That is it on the dressing-table." I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some in your London, you will know that the office of the company is joking. most important business. It is probable that he will be away all hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. and inquire as to the address." believe that I should never have any practice at all. "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his away to you." in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," nothing with him." there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the late." of fine shops and stately business premises that they really the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "You saw the ventilator, too?" transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "And Miss Sutherland?" minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What night.' said he. slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel this remarkable episode. "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was to have that photograph." the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "That also I could fathom." back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "She walked into the breakfast-room." "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. the Assizes." "No. What a strange idea!" tell me that you intended to go into harness." and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot his fortune, and I went back to pa. married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "Then you may entirely rely on me." "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' was a loud and authoritative tap. Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, said I. some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" roused himself from his reverie. "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "And did you observe any change in her then?" lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know disappearance of the bride.'" fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "Yes." Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by forbidden door. before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is business at Coburg Square is serious." "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did Holmes' face clouded over. "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "It is a murder, then?" at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King pound a week." row." the matter?" SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any interest. They are important, you understand, without being What do you deduce from it?" hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat purpose equally well?" chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end rat could hardly pass through." to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "Then I do not see the point." deduce something from that?" took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "What have you to say now?" I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and as he remarks, very much against the son." Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into good-night and bustled off upon her way. branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "He slept on the premises." way in everything. are, I think, all that we need." "Never." that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him sit on the left-hand side of the driver." derbies." the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. reach." "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was just ask you whether you had heard it.' my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, correct than the official force." George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "It goes to the housekeeper's room." in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "No." eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. money should be paid at once.' and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "What will you say?" individual and becomes the badge of a society." coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "Oh, the cause is excellent!" in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I if she died from some sudden fright." "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "That sounds a little paradoxical." its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "Certainly." The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open Holmes' thin, eager face. without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling approach us with offers to donate. way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord already been minutely examined." succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert Clair, of Lee." and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that chamber." photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are,